Winata K., Zhu J.A., Hanselman K.M., Zerbe E., Langguth J., Folino-Rorem N., Cartwright P. (2024). Life Cycle Transitions in the Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii. Biology. 13(12): 1-14.
Winata K., Zhu J.A., Hanselman K.M., Zerbe E., Langguth J., Folino-Rorem N., Cartwright P.
2024
Life Cycle Transitions in the Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii
Biology
13(12): 1-14
Publication
Available for editors
Craspedacusta sowerbii is an invasive hydrozoan found globally in freshwater habitats.
C. sowerbii has a complex life cycle that includes benthic, pelagic, dispersal and dormant stages. The
distribution of the medusa (jellyfish) stage has been well documented, but little is known about
the other life cycle stages, which are suggested to be more widespread. In addition, the conditions
required for growth, reproduction and dispersal of the different life cycle stages, as well as the
environmental cues that regulate life cycle transitions, are not fully understood. The aim of this study
was to determine laboratory conditions for growth of, and transition to, different life cycle stages in
order to improve our ability to culture all life cycle stages of C. sowerbii. In addition, insight into the
environmental triggers that promote life cycle transitions will enable us to better predict the potential
negative effects C. sowerbii could impose on freshwater ecosystems.
