Society

A new species of jellyfish discovered in the Gulf of Venice

Thousands of yellow jellyfish were spotted in the northern Adriatic Sea last year and soon disappeared, scientists say.

Italian scientists confidently claim that they have discovered a new species of jellyfish in the Gulf of Venice. Ferdinando Boero, a zoologist, confirmed that last year, residents of Venice noticed yellow jellyfish in the Adriatic. “They said that this type of jellyfish is not listed in any known classification of these creatures of nature. There were thousands of them. Fishermen found them in their nets. They could not fish freely because of the huge influx of jellyfish, ”recalls Boero, who teaches zoology at the University of Salento (www.unisalento.it).

A number of scientists, including Boero, carefully checked all types of jellyfish and came to the conclusion that the new creatures that filled the Gulf of Venice are not known to science.

“This is a new species,” says the zoologist. He and his team decided to name the yellow jellyfish "Pelagia benovici" in honor of the recently deceased colleague Adam Benovic. Scientists have noticed that the jellyfish found have much in common with the variety of their relatives of the species “Pelagia noctiluca”, the pink-purple inhabitants of the seas, known for their huge tentacles. It is worth noting that this representative of this species in 2007 attacked a fish farm in Ireland, which specialized in salmon farming. Millions of small jellyfish literally covered an area of ​​16 square kilometers, penetrating to a depth of 10 meters. According to biologists, about 100 thousand fish died from the invasion of jellyfish, which caused farm owners losses of $ 2 million.

But is Pelagia benovici worth the fear? Are they as dangerous as their brethren? “We don’t know for sure, now studies are being conducted to answer the question“ What did we find? ”Says Boeraud. “In the future we plan even more research.” In the meantime, scientists can’t say anything specific, the new type of jellyfish that has penetrated the Strait of Venice remains a mystery to everyone. Some experts in the field of zoology suggest that they could get into the Adriatic Sea from the ocean along with ships arriving at the lagoon. In the 1980s, the Mnemipiopsis leidyi jellyfish variety, which is dotted with the Black Sea, got there with ballast water, which merchant ships dump. The appearance of these jellyfish has an extremely negative effect on the local fish population.

So far, a group of scientists who are engaged in research of a new species do not receive new messages about the return of guests to the Gulf of Venice. Judging by eyewitnesses, the last time jellyfish unknown to science were spotted in the Adriatic Sea in March, but later they disappeared without a trace. However, Boero and his team, it would seem, are not very disappointed. “Jellyfish have a chaotic appearance. Millions can be in one place, and then disappear, but then come back again, ”the zoologist explains.

Watch the video: Giant Humboldt Squid caught while fishing in Sekiu, WA - September 2009 (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Society, Next Article

Sights of Rome
Rome

Sights of Rome

Of course, it is worth coming to Rome more than once. We offer you a list of the main interesting sights of the city, which are worth seeing in the first place. Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) The Colosseum is one of the largest and most impressive structures of the ancient world preserved to this day. Of course, this is the most popular Roman attraction to visit, which we recommend with a professional guide on excursions SECRETS OF GLADIATORS.
Read More
Museum of Criminology in Rome
Rome

Museum of Criminology in Rome

So, you threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climbed the Spanish Steps, and also managed to enjoy the amazing Colosseum. What are your future plans? Why don't you try something unusual that is radically different from everything you saw in the Eternal City? Visit the criminological museum in Rome, located at Via del Confalone 29.
Read More
Marcellus Theater in Rome
Rome

Marcellus Theater in Rome

The Teatro di Marcello is one of Italy's most significant sights, located in the historical part of Rome (Roma), on the right bank of the Tiber River (Tevere), near Piazza Venezia. It is the famous predecessor of the Colosseum (Colosseo) and one of the largest buildings in Ancient Rome.
Read More
Roma Pass Tourist Card - Should I Buy?
Rome

Roma Pass Tourist Card - Should I Buy?

How to save on a trip to Rome? Is there a way to simultaneously get benefits for visiting museums and using public transport? One of the possible ways to save time and money is with Roma Pass tourist cards, which promise to make travel by public transport and exploring the sights of Rome cheaper.
Read More