Unusual occurrence of Pelagia noctiluca in the Adriatic: III – Influence of the water masses dynamic on the distribution of the Pelagia noctiluca in the Adriatic

Abstract

       Invasion of the medusa Pelagia noctiluca in the Adriatic, especially unu­sual distribution up to Trieste bay, have been explained by stronger dynamic of the water masses.

       From the hydrographic data it was possible to show the stronger inflow of the Mediterranean water during the period 1977 - 1980.

        The reason for the population density increase of this species in the Mediterranean, as native region, is not known.