Description
The Palau Jellyfish Lake Mastigias papua is a subspecies of spotted jellyfish that inhabits Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island in Palau in the western Pacific Ocean. It is distinguished by its golden color, which is due to the presence of symbiotic algae in its tissues. The jellyfish are about the size of a dinner plate and have a lifespan of about one year. They are not harmful to humans and are a popular tourist attraction. The jellyfish lake is a marine lake that is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels in the limestone of an ancient Miocene reef. The lake is about 100 meters (330 feet) wide and 50 meters (160 feet) deep. The water in the lake is very clear and has a salinity of about 35 parts per thousand, which is slightly higher than the salinity of the ocean. The jellyfish in the lake are thought to have been trapped in the lake thousands of years ago when the reef was formed. They have since adapted to the closed ecosystem of the lake and have no need to prey on other animals. They get their energy from the symbiotic algae that live in their tissues. The algae produce food for the jellyfish through photosynthesis, and the jellyfish provide the algae with a safe place to live. The jellyfish lake is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to see these amazing creatures up close. Visitors can swim with the jellyfish and learn about their unique biology. The jellyfish lake is a beautiful and important part of Palau's natural heritage and it is important to protect it for future generations.
