Subject: Freshwater jellyfish?

From: [email-masked] (Jean Blane)
Date: Wed, 6 Sep 1995 13:02:04 GMT

On the weekend I was canoeing on a series of inland lakes
(freshwater).  In one shallow section (about 5-10 feet deep) I noticed
many small jellyfish.  The jellyfish ranged from the size of my thumb
nail to about the size of a quarter, were dome-shaped, transparent
with light brown colouring.  There were four, paddle shaped structures
that jointed in the center of the jellyfish, appearing rather like a cross.
Tentacles may have been present, but were not readily visible.  The
jellyfish were free-swimming.

Do you know what species this is?  I have never seen nor heard of
freshwater jellyfish before.  How common are they?

---

From: [email-masked] (Denis Gagne)
Date: 7 Sep 1995 18:44:30 GMT

>freshwater jellyfish before.  How common are they?

These are somewhat commonly found throughout NA. If you have or can find 
the text Fresh-Water Invertebrates of the United States, 3rd edition the 
section starting on pg 110 will give you the text info. Page 114 deals 
with the freshwater jellyfish known as hydras (Craspedacasta sowerbyi).
We found some in Belmont Lake in Peterborough county several years ago. 
(NE of Toronto)

You are not alone.

denis
[email-masked]