Transparent Hydromedusa Appears Along Istrian Coast
A new species of jellyfish, Aequorea forskalea, spotted in Štinjana Bay. Although not highly dangerous, it can cause unpleasant allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
A new species of jellyfish, Aequorea forskalea, spotted in Štinjana Bay. Although not highly dangerous, it can cause unpleasant allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
A new species of jellyfish was spotted yesterday in Štinjana Bay, further enriching but also worrying the marine world along the western coast of Istria. It is a hydromedusa with the Latin name Aequorea forskalea, whose appearance was recorded alongside the already present Mediterranean jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata), which has been reported on in recent days.
This hydromedusa has an almost transparent body, making it very difficult to spot in the water. Its bell can reach a diameter of 10 centimeters. Along the edge of the bell are numerous, extremely short and barely visible tentacles. Its characteristic appearance is given by eight or more radial canals that extend from its mouth, making it resemble a wheel when viewed from above. The photographs were taken by Associate Professor Petra Burić, PhD, and the specimens found in the shallows were already quite damaged from hitting rocks and stones, often losing their edges with short tentacles.
Although this species is not life-threatening, experts are warning the public to be cautious. In hypersensitive individuals, a mild allergic reaction may occur, especially on more sensitive parts of the body such as the abdomen and neck. Redness and small blisters may appear at the point of contact, which subside after 2 to 3 days. People who have experienced contact describe the sensation as a moderate burning, similar to a wasp sting.
"Therefore, we urge citizens not to touch them, as sensitive individuals may experience a reaction upon contact with specimens that still have short tentacles. It is important to warn children not to play with this species of hydromedusa by throwing them into the air or at each other, as mild burns may occur," the appeal states.
Associate Professor Paolo Paliaga, PhD, head of the Department of Oceanography at the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Pula, explained to Glas Istre the reasons for this unusual summer occurrence. "This species of hydromedusa typically appears briefly at the end of March, but this year it is peaking these days. Most likely, the drought and water shortage of Italian rivers have affected the plankton community and the establishment of geostrophic currents in the northern Adriatic, which favored the later proliferation of this species. Occurrences have also been recorded near Rovinj," Paliaga said.
Experts assume that specimens of this species are also present in other bays along the western coast of Istria, so swimmers are advised to exercise additional caution.
