Quck answer
Jellyfish Lake is located on Eil Malk Island in Palau, a country in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its unique population of golden jellyfish. The lake is isolated from the ocean and is connected to it only through small tunnels. The jellyfish in the lake have evolved over time to become completely harmless to humans, making it possible to swim among them without the fear of getting stung. The lake is a natural wonder and a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and underwater photographers.
If you had the opportunity to go anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go? Would you prefer to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower? Or maybe explore a cave full of glowworms? Perhaps you would opt to climb Mauna Kea. Alternatively, maybe you would choose to visit Jellyfish Lake!
So, where exactly is Jellyfish Lake located? It can be found on the Palau archipelago, which is situated approximately 400 miles (650 kilometers) north of New Guinea. This collection of over 300 islands is home to stunning beaches and unique flora and fauna.
One of the remarkable creatures found in this region is the golden jellyfish, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, it is one of the few species that inhabits lakes, as opposed to the open oceans preferred by most of the world’s 200 jellyfish species.
You might be curious as to how the golden jellyfish ended up living in a lake. To find the answer, we need to look back approximately 12,000 years. At that time, what we now know as Jellyfish Lake was connected to the Pacific Ocean due to a rise in sea level following the last Ice Age.
However, when the sea level receded, land emerged between Jellyfish Lake and the ocean. This resulted in the jellyfish becoming trapped in the lake and unable to return to the sea. Over the millennia that followed, they adapted to their new environment, leading to the development of the golden jellyfish as a unique species.
What sets the golden jellyfish apart from many other species is the fact that their stingers are so small that they cannot be felt by humans. As a result, people are actually able to swim alongside the jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake!
Golden jellyfish also have a special relationship with their food source. Some experts even refer to them as farmers. These jellyfish feed on algae that live within their tissues. To facilitate the growth of the algae through photosynthesis, the jellies follow the path of the Sun each day as they swim across the lake, always staying in sunlit water.
During their daily journey, the jellyfish must be cautious to avoid the shadowed edges of the lake, as this is where their primary predator, the sea anemone Entacmaea medusivora, can be found. If a jellyfish gets too close, the anemones ensnare them and use their tentacles to hold them close while they feed.
So, just how many golden jellyfish reside in Jellyfish Lake? The population has varied over the years. Prior to 2016, it was estimated that around 30 million jellyfish called the lake home. However, a severe El Niño event nearly wiped out the entire species. Today, there are approximately 700,000 jellyfish in the lake.
Presently, 80 percent of the waters surrounding Palau are protected as a marine sanctuary. This is the largest area of protected marine territory in the world. Scientists and the nation of Palau are optimistic that this measure will ensure the preservation of the archipelago’s vast biodiversity for centuries to come.
Would you be interested in swimming in Jellyfish Lake? Wading among thousands of jellyfish must be a truly unique experience! This is just one of the many reasons why Palau is such a remarkable part of the world.
Give It a Try
- There is a wide variety of jellyfish species in the world! Take a look at this article showcasing some unique types of jellyfish. They come in different sizes, but all of them are fascinating. Which one is your favorite? Discuss with a friend or family member which ones you find the most interesting.
- Imagine having a jellyfish as your friend in the ocean. It would explore the sea and return to share stories about its adventures with you. Now, think about what this jellyfish might witness and experience. Write a story about what your new jellyfish friend would tell you. Where did it go? What lies at the bottom of the ocean? Share your story with a friend or family member.
- It’s time to draw your own jellyfish. Enlist the help of a friend or family member and follow this guide, but also let your imagination run wild. You’ve seen various types of jellyfish, and you know they can be any color of the rainbow.
Fascinating Sources
- https://coralreefpalau.org/research/marine-lakes/jellyfish-lake/ (accessed on December 9, 2021)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jellyfish-lake (accessed on December 9, 2021)
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/pristine-seas/expeditions/palau/ (accessed on December 9, 2021)
- https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/unusual-place-of-the-month-jellyfish-lake/ (accessed on December 9, 2021)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed on December 9, 2021)
Leave a Reply