Freshwater Jellyfish: A Pretty, Dangerous Creature

What You Need to Know Meta Description: The freshwater jellyfish is a small and harmless creature which has invaded inland waters and caused major problems. Learn more about this invasive species and what you can do to help.

The freshwater jellyfish, also known as the invasive freshwater jellyfish is native to Asia. It’s made its way to the European coastline and has been spotted in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, France and Belgium. It can live in a number of different environments

What is a freshwater jellyfish?

In order to properly identify freshwater jellyfish, it’s best to get familiar with the different species. The most commonly found species is the Porcupine jellyfish, the largest of the freshwater jellyfish, weighing about 0.05 kg. Also called

You may have already noticed the freshwater jellyfish in the water in many European countries. This is because this jellyfish has recently been seen in inland waters in Europe, namely Britain, France and Sweden.

The freshwater jellyfish is a small and harmless creature which has invaded inland waters and caused major problems. Learn more about this invasive species and what you can do to help. The freshwater jellyfish, also known as the invasive freshwater jellyfish is native to Asia.

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Why is it so Dangerous?

The jellyfish itself has no sting. This is a misconception and causes people to harm the freshwater jellyfish and either mistake it for a sting ray. They actually have no effect on the skin. They are very small (6-10mm) and travel in schools or swarms which can number in the thousands. You would think they would have an olfactory system but the fish around them must also sense them because they will just take off without knowing what hit them.

The freshwater jellyfish can actually jump up to 12 inches in the air (30 cm).

Should I stay away from them?

Absolutely not! Although there have been isolated cases of serious envenomation, the freshwater jellyfish is completely harmless to humans. It poses no threat to humans. The only thing you can do is not turn your back on it.

How does it affect humans and other mammals?

The freshwater jellyfish causes major problems for marine life, disrupting its normal food chain. Jellyfish also reproduce quickly, and can thrive in warmer water temperatures, creating even more problems for native marine life. They cause extensive damage to fishing and tourism, and can even be fatal to humans. They’re also toxic and could even kill humans if ingested.

What are the best ways to reduce the impact of the freshwater jellyfish?

The first thing to do is find out where it has already been spotted. Sometimes they’re hidden in plain sight, but other times they’re really obvious and easy to spot. Scientists have been putting this information on to beacons which are attached to buoys in the water.

Prevention and Control Measures

In some areas, freshwater jellyfish are actively destroying our fisheries, but this isn’t the only negative impact this species has caused. A second, less obvious, impact it can have on its environment is killing other aquatic species by clogging up their habitats.

In Ireland, freshwater jellyfish can be responsible for up to 70% of the mortality of small freshwater fish, such as roach and perch.

Freshwater jellyfish tend to live in shallow water, so that’s where you’ll find them most often. When they mature, they will sink and feed on dead animals that have accumulated in the sediments or on aquatic vegetation.

How to Prevent Jellyfish Infestations

Many species of freshwater jellyfish are predatory and will eat other aquatic life.

Conclusion

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