The appearance of **jellyfish in Misiones** has become more frequent since 2022. These mollusks, also known as “**jellyfish**,” have been spotted in streams in the province. This has raised concerns due to their **[impact on local biodiversity](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/el-pez-del-fin-del-mundo-reaparecio-misteriosamente-en-california/)** and human health.
Researchers from the **National Institute of Tropical Medicine** along with experts from the Misionero Institute of Biodiversity are conducting studies to understand their **[effect on the ecosystem](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/envian-seis-pumas-a-uruguay-para-integrarse-a-un-proyecto-de-conservacion/)**.
What you need to know to protect yourself and what measures to take in case of a “sting”.
##Jellyfish in Misiones: where they are and why
The Misionero Institute of Biodiversity (**IMiBio**) confirmed the presence of invasive freshwater jellyfish (scientific name *Craspedacusta sowerbii*) in streams in Misiones.
The phenomenon is concerning due to its potential impact on **local flora and fauna** and the risks associated with human health.
This species native to Asia was first sighted in 2022 in El Saltito stream, near **Colonia Aurora**, and more recently in El Cazador stream, in the vicinity of San Ignacio.
“Normally, we are all used to the jellyfish we see in the sea, the **jellyfish**. There are some freshwater organisms and this is one of them. They are native to Asia, but they have already invaded a large part of planet Earth,” explained the institute to *Misionesonline*.
As reported, since 1850 there have been some studies that have seen them in Europe, because from Asia they used to bring ornamental plants for ponds. In the roots of the ornamental plants, there are, **they are called polyps**, because jellyfish have different stages.
“So one of their stages, their little eggs and polyps, came attached to the roots and that’s how they invaded a large part of Europe,” detailed biologist **Cecilia Miranda**.
The main concern of experts is that **they are invasive and have no natural predators** in the region. Their appearance raises many questions about how they got here and what their effect will be on local ecosystems.
###How did the jellyfish reach Misiones?
According to Miranda, one of the most accepted theories is that they could have traveled in the **ballast water of ships**, just as with the golden mussel, which currently is part of the diet of other fish in the rivers of the area and is no longer a problem.
In Argentina, they have been detected in several provinces, such as **Mendoza, San Luis, Córdoba, Tucumán, and Neuquén**.
“There is probably a certain effect on the fauna. It is something that needs to be studied because being a **[new invasive organism in the ecosystem](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/la-medusa-inmortal-y-su-sorprendente-capacidad-de-rejuvenecer/)**, it has no natural predators,” the researcher warned.
##Risks for bathers: what to do
Contact with these jellyfish is characterized by causing hives and small burns.
“They are visible near the surface, they are like a little umbrella that opens and closes. **They are two centimeters in size, whitish, and their center looks like a little flower and then they have tentacles**, which are like little threads hanging from the sides,” described Miranda.
“If someone feels **burning or stinging while swimming**, they have probably come into contact with one of them,” she explained.
To relieve discomfort, it is recommended to rinse the area with **vinegar to neutralize the pain** and consult a doctor as soon as possible. The next step is to report these sightings to **Imibio** through their social networks so they can continue with the studies.
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