Jellyfish in Indiana? Here’s everything DNR knows about peach blossom jellies

(WXIN/WTTV) — Did you know that there are jellyfish living throughout the Hoosier State? Indiana DNR officials recently spoke more in depth about the freshwater creatures.

“Wait… Indiana has armadillos AND jellyfish?! Yes. Yes, we do,” the Dept. of Natural Resources posted on Facebook earlier this week said, referencing a recent increase in Hoosier armadillo sightings.

Now, DNR is giving information on another unusual animal that can be found throughout the state: Craspedacusta sowerbii. Here is everything you need to know.

What is Craspedacusta sowerbii?

Better known as the peach blossom jellyfish, this invertebrate is the only freshwater jellyfish of its kind known to inhabit North America. However, they are found virtually worldwide.

Surprisingly, this non-native species can be found in nearly any body of water throughout Indiana. This includes ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers.

Why aren’t they more well-known?

IDNR said that freshwater jellies are not as well-recognized amongst Hoosiers, mainly due to their size and appearance.

“Freshwater jellies are quite small, easy to overlook, and little is known about them,” officials wrote.

What do they look like?

Peach blossom jellies are usually about the size of a dime or a nickel, with some having upwards of 500 tentacles. They are usually clear or translucent white in color and have bell-shaped bodies. Photos of the jellyfish, provided by IDNR, can be seen below:

Are they dangerous?

Peach blossom jellies hunt by using stingers on their numerous long tentacles. However, they are too small to sting bigger beings.

“Unlike some marine jellyfish, the freshwater jellyfish does not pose a hazard to swimmers,” DNR said.

The jellies are described as “opportunistic predators” that eat small organisms wandering near them, such as zooplankton and insects. According to DNR, there have been no reported cases of freshwater jellyfish stinging humans.

When and where can I see one?

While experts say the jellies’ appearance is sporadic and unpredictable, they are most often found in late summer during August and September. They can be found in freshwater reservoirs, lakes, quarries and the slow-moving backwaters of river systems.

“Individuals become apparent as they rise to the water surface in the afternoon to early evening, especially on clear and warm days in calm water,” DNR officials said.

For more information on freshwater jellyfish in Indiana, click here.