Jellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake... certainly a cool experience! Especially since these guys have no reason to sting anymore, they have lost the ability. However, we spotted a few HUGE moon jellies which must have come through with water that slowly seeps into the lake from ocean fissures and tunnels in the limestone. The lake, however, is secluded, and you must take a small hike to get there. This island was previously inhabited, and pieces of broken pots are still scattered around off the trails.
Located on the rock island of Eil Malk, the jellyfish have lived in seclusion for thousands of years, thus having no need to protect themselves and losing their sting. Before the last population drop, this lake was teeming with jellies. Many of the photos you will find will have divers surrounded by hundreds. We, however, weren't this lucky, but still saw plenty. You have to be very careful when swimming, as it is easy to damage the fragile creatures with abrupt movements and fin accidents. Nearing about 45ft below the water's surface lies an anoxic layer containing no oxygen and a high hydrogen sulfide content. All oxygen requiring organisms live above this layer.
Mastigias Jellyfish near the water's surface
Baby jelly
Even though it is a single species, there are still so many differences between each jelly such as spotting, tentacle length, and tentacle texture
The fuzzy white polyp on the left is a baby jellyfish in process
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