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(2) This is a ventral view of a mature medusa. The whitish structure near the center is the mouth of the jellyfish. The four structures surrounding the mouth are the gonads. A mature medusa is 20 - 25 mm in diameter (the size of a quarter). From Dr. Terry Peard's Freshwater Jellyfish Page © |
(Craspedacusta sowerbii)
Recently in the summer and fall of 1998, a little known freshwater creature has appeared in
Dive Land Park's quarry, Craspedacusta sowerbii or "Freshwater Jellyfish" as they are more
commonly referred to.
It is not common to see occurrences of freshwater Jellyfish, so I must say I felt privileged to get
an up-close view of this harmless nickel sized creature. C. sowerbii, other than their small size,
seem to look and behave like their larger saltwater cousins and they cannot sting humans!
(1) "Unlike marine jellyfish, C. sowerbii has a structure call a velum. This thin, shelf-like structure
extends inward from the circular edge (ring canal) of the bell. The manubrium, which ends in a
mouth, extends down through a hole in the velum. The velum helps set C. sowerbii apart from the
true jellyfish. However, because C. sowerbii looks like a jellyfish, we call it a jellyfish!"
which includes the more common hydra."
Be sure to look for the Freshwater Jellyfish when you visit Dive Land's quarry. They were observed in shallower waters near the quarry's rim from 0 to 35 ft. in depth.
For more complete and detailed information, and to report sightings, you must visit Dr. Terry Peard's research project on Craspedacusta sowerbi at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Perry is looking sighting reports and details to continue building his research database.
note: (1) Quotations and scientific information were obtained from Dr. Terry Peard's research project on C. sowerbi. More complete and detailed information can be found at his web site on Freshwater Jellyfish!
note: (2) © All images and photographs of C. sowerbi are protected by copyright per Dr. Terry Peard
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