Are There Jellyfish In Lake Erie? Exploring Aquatic Life In The Great Lake

Are freshwater jellyfish present in Lake Erie? According to the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System, freshwater jellyfish were initially discovered in Michigan back in 1933, specifically in the Huron River near Ann Arbor. Since their initial sighting, these jellyfish have been spotted in various locations, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and numerous inland lakes and streams. This information, last updated on December 5, 2022, highlights the widespread distribution of freshwater jellyfish across different bodies of water in the region.

Do jellyfish inhabit the Great Lakes? Indeed, freshwater jellyfish made their initial appearance near Ann Arbor in the Huron River. This significant discovery dates back to 1933. Since that initial observation, numerous subsequent sightings of these jellyfish have been reported in streams and inland lakes across the region. As of June 2, 2023, there have been dozens of recorded instances of freshwater jellyfish in these freshwater ecosystems, shedding light on their presence in the Great Lakes basin.

Do freshwater jellyfish exist in Canada? Indeed, there is evidence of their presence in various Canadian provinces. Although records show that this species had previously been identified in Ontario and Quebec, the first official report of freshwater jellyfish in British Columbia came in 1990 when they were discovered in Killarney Lake. Since that initial discovery, community scientists, driven by their enthusiasm for documenting local natural phenomena, have identified this species in over 30 lakes across British Columbia. As of December 15, 2022, these ongoing efforts continue to expand our knowledge of the distribution of freshwater jellyfish in Canada.