PHOTOS: Scientists encounter gigantic jellyfish in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević – Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
SPLIT, 11 October 2021 – Scientists from the Split Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Croatia have encountered a jellyfish which they say is the largest they have ever seen.
While out exploring in Marina Bay near Trogir on Friday, scientists came across a huge compass jellyfish, saying that they had ‘never seen such a large specimen’ before.
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević (Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević (Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
The compass jellyfish, or Chrysaora hysoscella, is a common species of jellyfish that inhabits coastal waters in temperate regions of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Although it is a relatively rare species and most often approaches the coast in early summer, in recent years it has become an increasingly common inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.
Considering that on average it grows up to 20 cm in length and up to 6 cm in diameter, this specimen found in Croatia surprised even experts.
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević (Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević (Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
This species of jellyfish lives below the surface at depths of 0-10 m, where it hovers and occasionally swims. It is characterised by a yellow-brown hat that resembles a compass and can grow up to 30 centimetres in diameter, and tentacles up to 1 meter in length. There are 24 tentacles that are divided into three groups of 8.
(Photo credit: Ante Žuljević (Institut za Oceanografiju i ribarstvo)
The compass jellyfish in the sea orients and maintains balance with the help of sensor cells called statocysts and pigmented spots allow the jellyfish to perceive changes in light. They feed on zooplankton, and its natural enemies are sea turtles and the fish Mola Mola that feed on it.
If by chance this jellyfish stings you, first of all you should get out of the sea and rinse the stung area well with sea water to remove the tentacles. It is important to know that you should not rub or rinse with fresh water or alcohol. It is good to put vinegar or lemon juice on the the sting as this will prevent further bursting of the remaining glow pods, Morski.hr writes.
