Craspedacusta [Craspedacusta]

Description

Craspedacusta is a genus of freshwater jellyfish in the family Craspedacustidae. While primarily freshwater inhabitants, some species within this genus have adapted to slightly brackish conditions. Members of this genus are characterized by their bell-shaped medusae, which can range in size. They are known for their sudden appearances in bodies of freshwater around the world, often becoming visible in large blooms. Craspedacusta species are predators, feeding on small aquatic organisms, which they capture using their nematocysts found on their tentacles. The life cycle of Craspedacusta includes both a medusa stage and a benthic polyp stage, allowing them to exploit different ecological niches throughout their life. Despite being predominantly freshwater, their occasional tolerance to low-salinity environments allows them to inhabit estuarine areas, making them relevant to discussions of marine biodiversity at the interface of freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Species

Freshwater Jellyfish [Craspedacusta sowerbii]

View Details

Craspedacusta sowerbyi lankesteri [Craspedacusta sowerbyi lankesteri]