Jellyfish Species and Locations

Jellyfish species and Locations

As I live in a European country, I will outline mainly the European species and will show images, whether or not they swarm and relative dangerousness to humans.

The general theme of the following jellyfish is a preference to warmer European countries and the ones I have selected I have done so due to reports of swarms from that species. ( http://www.perseus-net.eu/en/species_of_jellyfish/index.html )

Cotylorhiza Tuberculata:

These large jellyfish are being reported in abundance on the Italian coast and especially in bays, the reports have dies down in the past year but the alert is still high. These jellyfish are harmless to humans and swarm at the end of the summer months. 

 

 Aequorea forskalea:

These are generally quite small jellyfish and are rarely found in large numbers along coastlines in mainland Europe. However, off the coast, enormous swarms have been reported and the swarms contained many larger specimens. Their sting is harmless as their poison is far to weak to have an effect.

 

 

Aurelia aurita:

These jellyfish are about the size of an average male adult's hand and pose no threat when it comes to stinging. This seemingly harmless jellyfish is known to swarm regularly and can cause havoc on almost every European beach there is. the swarms are usually big and this species can be found in abundance all year long.

 

Chrysaora hysoscella:

This is one of the rare species of jellyfish that can thrive and not just survive in both cold and warm waters. Often found in abundance, this swarming jellyfish can be found as far North as the Norwegian Fjords. Their sting is nothing more than a nuisance and can be compared to a nettle sting at most.

 

Rhizostoma pulmo:

Usually found in huge abundance, these jellyfish offer a place of refuge for microorganisms and small fish who hide in the jellyfish's oral arms. The swarms are mostly found in warmer waters and are generally harmless to humans.

The species that I have listed are all found in the main European Sea's such as the Mediterranean, Adriatic and North Seas. They are also among the many other species that contribute to the global increase in swarms of jellyfish. These swarms are occurring all over the world and if it continues, the natural ecosystem won't be able to sustain the number of jellyfish being produced. This is, as I have said, partly due to climate change and the increase of global temperature. If this continues at it's current rate, soon, we will have a serious problem, but is it too late?