Story: Life in fresh water

Freshwater jellyfish and prey

Freshwater jellyfish and prey

The freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbyi (top) is not native to New Zealand and possibly came from China. The species was first documented in Lake Taupō and lakes around Rotorua in the 1950s. It has since been recorded in many other lakes. It preys mainly on the zooplankton Ceriodaphnia (bottom). It seems unlikely that the jellyfish is a threat to native freshwater life.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Roger Young, 'Life in fresh water - Freshwater habitats', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11612/freshwater-jellyfish-and-prey (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Roger Young, published 24 Sep 2007