Jellyfish Living in the Azov Sea
In the Azov Sea two species of jellyfish live, which at one time entered the Azov Sea from the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait - jellyfish cornerot (lat. Rhizostomeae) and aurelia (lat. < em>Aurelia aurita). Both of these species of jellyfish live in many seas and oceans, including the Black Sea, which communicates with the Azov Sea, but, most likely, are not the indigenous inhabitants of the Azov Sea. According to one theory, these jellyfish got into the Azov Sea through the Kerch Strait during drought, when the water level in the Azov Sea dropped significantly. But no matter how the jellyfish appeared in the Azov Sea, they are currently one of its inhabitants and are included in the general Azov ecosystem.
Kornerot - the Most Massive Jellyfish of Azov
Kornerot jellyfish is the most widespread jellyfish in the Azov Sea, the cornerot prefers warm water. This jellyfish is distinguished by its rather large size and peculiar shape. Cornerot reaches a size of more than half a meter in diameter and has long fleshy tentacles, the surface of which is covered with many stinging cells - what the jellyfish stings those who touch it. Thus, the conrerot is not only unpleasant for vacationers, it can also cause burns if you touch its tentacles, while contact with the outside of the dome of this jellyfish, although unpleasant, is safe. Fortunately, the stings from this jellyfish can be compared to the stings from common nettles - although unpleasant, but not fatal. By the way, the tentacles of a cornerot are not tentacles at all, but a mouth of a peculiar design that this jellyfish feeds on. Thanks to this body structure, this jellyfish got its name - cornerot.
Aurelia - the Jellyfish of the Azov Sea
Aurelia jellyfish is also common in the Azov Sea, like the cornerot, but differs from it both in body structure and preferences. Aurelia is smaller than Cornerot, and rarely reaches 40 cm in size, and Aurelia lives in cool water, which is more suitable for Cornerot. One of the visual differences between Aurelia and other jellyfish is the four semicircular formations under its dome, which, oddly enough, are the genitals of this jellyfish. The body of this jellyfish differs significantly from the cornerot - Aurelia has the same dome as all jellyfish, but its tentacles are underdeveloped, while stinging cells are located along the perimeter of the dome. The bite of the Aurelia is weaker than that of the Cornerot, but you can get hurt just by touching the edge of the dome of this jellyfish.
Jellyfish and Vacationers - is there a Danger of Jellyfish?
Jellyfish never attack people, so they are absolutely safe for vacationers on the Azov Sea. Often, vacationers themselves are active in relation to jellyfish - they catch, play with them, take pictures, and so on. Once again, it is worth recalling that a jellyfish is safe for an adult healthy person whose psyche is in a stable state, i.e. physically jellyfish can't hurt him. But there are always exceptions. Firstly, a jellyfish sting can lead to panic, and a person swimming at a depth can choke in this state. Secondly, people who are prone to allergic reactions should be wary of jellyfish - in some, jellyfish venom can cause a severe allergic reaction, similar to bee venom. Well, do not forget about small children - a dose of jellyfish venom, harmless to an adult, can be very harmful to the body of a small child. So you don’t need to be afraid of jellyfish on vacation in the Azov Sea, but you shouldn’t forget about some of the features of handling them either.