NICK CLARK
March 19, 2009 12:32pm
THERE could be fewer mozzies in Launceston thanks to a freshwater jellyfish brought on the feet of birds from China.
Scientists believe the tiny jellyfish found in Launceston's Lake Trevallyn were brought from China as tiny larvae on birds' feet.
The jellyfish, which is the size of a 10-cent coin, was first officially recorded in the state last week.
Rather than being an unwanted or disastrous import like the cane toad, scientists believe the species could be beneficial.
Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery natural science curator Lisa-ann Gershwin said the discovery was important.
"Craspedacusta sowerbyi has a voracious appetite for mosquito larvae," Dr Gerschwin said.
"Researchers are currently studying whether it could be used as a natural bio-control, particularly in regions where mosquitoes carry dangerous pathogens such as malaria, dengue fever and Ross River fever," she said.
Dr Gerschwin said the specimens found would be available for researchers and would be on display at the museum at Inveresk soon.
Michael Attard, scientific and technical officer with Natural Resource Management North's Tamar and Esk Estuary program, found several of the jellyfish during routine water testing at Lake Trevallyn.
"I came across around 30 of them near Blackstone Heights and although they are quite hard to catch, I eventually got a few into a water-testing bottle to take to the experts," he said.
It is believed sightings have been made before. Dr Gershwin would like to hear about sightings in other inland waterways.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/03/19/62135_todays-news.html
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