We rely on your participation to continue to successfully monitor the occurrence of jellyfish and comb jellies.
Please continue to send us pictures and locations via the RebrashNET mobile application (link: vrtlac.izor.hr/rebrash).
It is important to monitor the occurrence of all gelatinous plankton organisms because their mass occurrence can be detrimental to the marine ecosystem and the fishing industry, and the long-term data obtained will allow us to more quickly and realistically assess the extent of affected areas.
We have received a photo of an unusual organism that looks like a jellyfish. The blue button (Porpita porpita) belongs to the group of colonial fringes that float in the sea and are found just below the surface as part of the neuston. the tentacles are harmless to humans and can cause only mild skin irritation.
In these organisms, the gelatinous disk serves as a gas-filled carrier that supports several types of polyps, some of which are responsible for feeding, others for reproduction, and some for catching prey. It is easily recognized by its intense blue color and is found mainly in the open Adriatic Sea.
We thank Silvija Andrijašević for the picture.
