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The Jellytrack project |
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Project participants |
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The Barrel jellyfish |
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Tracking the jellies! |
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The Barrel Jellyfish |
Latin name: Rhizostoma octopus |
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Connectivity of jellyfish populations: “Jellytrack” |
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Phone: +44 (1792) 205678 ext 4614 |
Size: The Barrel jellyfish is a solid large jellyfish being up to 1 m in diameter. On our coasts, we have measured a barrel jellyfish of 80 cm in diameter and weighing 35 kg! |
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Key features: The bell is shaped like a dome and is an opaque white colour with purple/blue lobes around the margin. This jellyfish has eight solid oral-arms that resemble a cauliflower but no tentacles. Yet, it can cause irritation. |
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Distribution: Rhizostoma forms dense aggregations in coastal areas (Rosslare, Tremadoc and Carmarthen Bays) during summer months. These blooms occur for many months (5 months at least) and in the same locations year after year suggesting they play an important, yet poorly understood, role in coastal ecosystems.
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Impact: These large jellyfish may impact on aquaculture industries such as mussels, oysters and clams by eating their larval stages or even indirectly by causing the development of red tides. On the upside, these jellyfish may also be nursery grounds for juvenile fish such as whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Emerging markets for jellyfish products (e.g. human consumption in the far eastern markets) are spawning new jellyfish harvesting industries.
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To contact us: |
