Numerous specimens of the so-called "polka dot jellyfish", scientific name Phyllorhiza punctata (von Lendenfeld 1884), were spotted in the waters of Sardinia in the month of September. Their presence was detected during the monitoring activities envisaged by the Marine Strategy project (Directive 2008/56/EC) by technicians from the Department of Sassari and Gallura of ARPA Sardinia, together with personnel from the Port Authority of Olbia, which provides logistical support for operations. It is a species of jellyfish native to the western Pacific and is called "polka dot" due to the numerous white spots on the umbrella.
The first sightings in the Mediterranean date back to 2009, although in recent years the frequency has been increasingly higher, since in our seas, explains Arpa Sardegna, «it has certainly found ideal conditions for its adaptation».
The species can reach considerable dimensions (even 60 centimeters in diameter), «but it should not cause concern among bathers, as it does not sting. However, it feeds on plankton, fish eggs and larvae, thus becoming a potential danger for the fish community."
(Unioneonline/ss)
