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New gelatinous species spotted in Maltese waters
The Grand Siphonophore (Forskalia edwardsi) are being spotted in large numbers in the Maltese waters.
3 February 2011, 12:00am
Rachel Zammit Cutajar
Rachel Zammit Cutajar
1 min read
The gelatinous colonial species have not previously been reported in Maltese waters, especially in large numbers, however they are found in all oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea.
The siphonophores (which include the Portugese man of war species) are an order of hydrozoa, a class of marine invertebrates. They are a very stinging species found close to the surface of the water.
The colonial structure in Grand siphonophore species is tapered, resembling a rope, which may vary in length between 1 to 10 meters. The upper part of the colony is very translucent and composed of a small float and several sets of swimming bells.
Below, spread around the central stolon, are hundreds salmon-coloured specialized and differentiated polyps, serving various purposes including nutrition, reproduction and protection.
Other gelatinous species encountered included the Bioluminescent Comb Jelly (Beroe forskalii) and the Pelagic Tunicate or Salp (Salpa maxima), along with the well known, Mauve Stinger Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca).
Data was collected byDr Adriana Vella, of the Conservation Biology Research Group of the Department of Biology, University of Maltaand will be used in a collaborative Mediterranean-wide research project coordinated by the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM).
To forward any sighting reports of gelatinous creatures or for any further information email the National Contact Person (Dr. Adriana Vella, Ph.D) at: [email protected]
Rachel Zammit Cutajar graduated in economics from the University of Malta...
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The Grand siphonophore is very sensitive to light, so in case of danger, all you need is a bright underwater torch, the siphonophore will sort of "explode" and break into pieces.
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The gelatinous colonial species have not previously been reported in Maltese waters, especially in large numbers, however they are found in all oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea."
This statement is a gross inaccuracy as these species have been not only seasonal visitors to our waters for many many years bit also in large numbers.
I have been professional diving instructor for over 30 years and personally became aware of these in the mid 1980s.
Another inaccuracy is that these particular siphonophores are "great stingers."
They are not.
I hope that the Malta Today will correct this information to avoid people picking these up in nets to kill them as is done with jelly fish
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Agree with Paul, I have seen this creature around in the water. Last seen at Cirkewwa.
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These creatures have been around the Maltese Islands since I can remember, I have been scuba diving in Malta since 1983/4. Where I have lived for most of my life. I have seen them at the fishfarm in Mistra bay and also around Migra Ferha. Obviously I am not the only diver in Malta or swimmer/snorkeller for that matter to have seen them.
