Life Cycle Transitions in the Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii

Abstract

Craspedacusta sowerbii is an invasive freshwater jellyfish that is found in all continents except Antarctica. C. sowerbii has a complex life cycle that includes several modes of asexual reproduction. While the medusa stage of the life cycle has been well documented, little is known of the environmental parameters conducive to the spread, growth and reproduction of the different life cycle stages. Here, we investigate laboratory conditions under which C. sowerbii can survive, reproduce and transition to different life cycle stages. This research provides insight into how an invasive species with a complex life cycle can potentially impact freshwater ecosystems.