In terms of its biological development, this species is a real jellyfish that progresses from the juvenile polyp stage to the adult medusa stage. In their polyp stage, jellyfish may survive for up to five years, while in their medusa stage, they can live for up to two years.
- They, like the majority of jellyfish, consume zooplankton, which is an essential animal for the functioning of all aquatic ecosystems.
- They are generally salt resistant, although low salinities may have a detrimental impact on the species.
- These jellyfish thrive in warm temperatures; however, low salinities may have a negative effect on the species.
These jellyfish experience a loss of their zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae, when the salinity of their environment is low. Photosynthesis is the process by which zooxanthellae convert nutrients that are not essential to the jellyfish into energy that may then be used by the jellyfish.
- Some species of jellyfish do not have symbiotic algae, and when low salinity conditions cause the zooxanthellae to be destroyed, it diminishes the jellyfish’s capacity to thrive in seas that are deficient in nutrients.
- They only have a moderately painful sting, and their venom is not poisonous nor dangerous to humans in any way.
However, because of their capacity to consume enormous quantities of zooplankton, they pose a danger to the ecosystems that live in the water column all over the planet.
Where do Australian spotted jellyfish live?
A Table of Distributions
| Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| -New South Wales | Present | Native |
| -Western Australia | Present | Introduced |
| Sea Areas | ||
| Atlantic – Western Central | Present | Introduced |
Where does the white spotted jellyfish live?
White-spotted jellyfish are reported to have established colonies in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and most recently in the Mediterranean Sea.
What is the scientific name for a spotted jellyfish?
Scientific name: Phyllorhiza punctata.
