The ecology of Scyphozoan jellyfish in Lake Illawarra

摘要: The scypbozoan jellyfish of Lake Illawarra are well known to most people who use for research, commercial fishing or recreation. Here we review the biology and ecology two well-studied species, Catostylus mosaieus Phyllorhiza punetata, present preliminary results studies that investigated their role in trophic nutrient dynamics coastal lagoons. Specifically show C. mosaicus is a voracious predator zooplankton presence medusae may promote production phytoplankton either via excretion inorganic nutrients because grazing by on zooplankton, turn, reduces phytoplankton. Comparisons rates excretion P. punctata that C. excretes substantial amounts NH3 which, during times peak biomass, account for 8% required In contrast exhibits no net NH3, probably its excretory products predominantly translocated symbiotic zooxanthellae within tissues. Hence these species have contrasting roles regeneration. Current gaps our knowledge these species identified.