香港水母品種資訊
香港水域可能出現多種水母品種。發現它們時，記得向 HKJP 報告你的目擊記錄！
香港過往已記錄的水母種類:
©陳瑞華（Ryan Yue Wah Chan）
Cyanea nozakii/白色霞水母 - 俗名：狮鬃水
這種中上層水母廣泛分佈於印度-西太平洋地區，包括中國、日本、緬甸、泰國西部及印尼西部[1,2]。其鐘體一般呈乳白色至淺棕色，中至大型，可達 120 厘米闊。目前對其食性和蜇傷特性了解尚少，但有報告指其外傘表面有刺絲囊。香港本地俗稱「獅鬃水母」，因其長長的拖尾觸手，是本港水域多宗蜇傷事故的主要原因。它是香港最常見的水母品種，廣泛分佈於本地水域。
©楊
Mastigias papua (albipunctatus)/ 巴布亚硝水母 - 俗名：珍珠水母
這種中型水母分佈於西太平洋，從日本至印度洋及紅海均有其蹤影。鐘體可長至 8 厘米，顏色有多種組合，包括藍綠至棕綠，並帶有白色斑點[1]。它與zooxanthellae（蟲黃藻）共生，能從中獲取能量，因此會進行晝夜垂直遷移[2]。此外亦會攝食浮游動物、浮游植物、小型無脊椎動物及微生物[2]。近年研究已將此物種分為三種，而歷史上曾有多達八種。香港水域出現的應為 Mastigias albipunctatus [3]。在本港各地均有個別目擊記錄。
©米莉·巴斯登（Millie Basden）
Aurelia aurita/海月水母 - 俗名：月亮水母
這個屬在世界各地有不同形態，可能屬於不同物種，但形態上難以區分。它是全球最常見的水母之一。A. aurita （海月水母）鐘體可達 40 厘米，顏色由白色、玫瑰色至藍色，甚至近乎透明。其蜇傷程度輕微，通常感覺不到。本種主要以浮游動物及魚苗為食[1]，並為捕食它的魚類和甲殼類動物提供脂肪酸及大量營養[2]。夏季常形成大型群體。透過 DNA 分析，香港出現的Aurelia （海月水母屬）物種可能並非A. aurita（海月水母），或存在多於一種。這個屬在香港相當常見，通常由七月開始出現。
1個
©理查德·斯托瓦
Stomolophus meleagris/沙海蜇 - 俗名：砲彈水母
東南亞地區有關此物種的目擊記錄，曾被誤認為是另一種水母 — Nemopilema nomurai（越前水母，俗名：野村水母） [1]。香港早期關於 S. meleagris（砲彈水母）的記錄，來自 Morton 及 Morton（1983）合著的《香港海岸生態》一書。不過，最新資料顯示這種水母的主要分佈範圍其實在美洲。一項基因研究支持這個看法，發現中國水域的相關物種其實是 Nemopilema nomurai（越前水母）[4]。早期研究人員因日本和西方科學家在命名上的混淆，而錯誤地識別了 Nemopilema nomurai（越前水母） [12]。至今，有關香港的記錄主要仍來自 Morton 及 Morton（1983）的資料。
上圖是 Stomolophus meleagris（沙海蜇） - 發現於美洲各地。
下圖是 Nemopilema nomurai （越前水母）- 在日本和中國海域發現
Pelagia panopyra (noctiluca)/夜光游水母 – 俗名：紫水母
P. panopyra-俗名海蕁麻。 P. noctiluca的俗名-Mauve Stinger
P. panopyra 這個名稱存疑，很可能是 P. noctiluca [6]。這種小型鉢水母鐘體直徑 5-10 厘米，主要攝食橈足類、魚卵及浮游動物[1]。受干擾時會發出生物螢光。其蜇傷能力較強。在香港甚少出現。
©娜奧米·布森（Naomi Bousson）
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus /鞭腕水母或端鞭水母 - 俗名：四草水母
這種中型鉢水母鐘體可達 12 厘米[1]，分佈範圍由西印度洋至太平洋中部[5]。常見於紅樹林及河口地區[2]。已知會形成大型水華，香港亦有本地種群。從六月起在本港經常出現；2021 年吐露港及 2023 年愉景灣均曾出現大規模水華。
Other species known to be present in Hong Kong waters
These species have been observed in Hong Kong waters by citizen scientists who shared their sightings with the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project. Some of these species are not considered "true" jellyfish (the scyphozoans), but are included in a broader definition of "jellyfish" in Brotz el al. (2012). Their definition of ‘‘'jellyfish' refers to gelatinous zooplankton that include medusae of the phylum Cnidaria (scyphomedusae, hydromedusae, cubomedusae, and siphonophores) and planktonic members of the phylum Ctenophora" [7].
Please let the HKJP know about any jellyfish you see to add to this record!!
Scyphozoa - There are around 200 described jellyfish species in the class Scyphozoa or "true jellyfish". This number is changing as the study of jellyfish genetics is updating their taxonomy and more species are being discovered. Sometimes what researchers once thought of as a single species may be divided into many more species.
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
Ctenophora - Comb jellies are not considered "true jellyfish", however a included in the general "jellyfish" or "gelatinous plankton" groups. Comb jellies have lines of cilia (hairs) that they use for locomotion. Ctenophores can be found in all oceans of the world. Of around 150+ species of ctenophores, only three have been regularly reported in Hong Kong. They are difficult to see clearly and identify, also showing up in large groups that could obscure different species.
Josy Lai
Beroe sp. - common name: comb jellyfish
This species is cosmopolitan, found throughout the world's oceans from shallow to deep water. It does not sting and envelopes its prey within its cavity to consume it. Comb jellies are bioluminescent. Fairly common in Hong Kong, especially in spring, and shows up with large numbers.
Janice Ma
Pleurobrachia globosa - common name: Sea gooseberry
Pleurobrachia globosa can be found around the Western Pacific. Their distinctive feature is the two long trailing tentacles they use to capture prey by swirling in loops. It can be found in high abundance in Chinese seas [18]. The abundance and distribution of P. globosa in Hong Kong is unknown.
Josy Lai
Ocyropsis crystallina
This species is one of the lobed ctenophores. Normally used for feeding, the lobes can also be used to propel the ctenophore away from predators [19]. Its abundance and distribution in Hong Kong is unknown.
Cubozoa - There are approximately 50 species of cubozoans world-wide, though new ones are being added, such as Tripedalia maipoensis, a new Cubozoan species described in 2023, found in Hong Kong! There is little known about other box jellyfish in Hong Kong waters, though citizen scientists submitted sightings of two other box jellyfish species in 2021 and 2022.
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
©HKJP
Acromitus flagellatus-通用名-河水母
這種中等規模的鱗莖水母，鐘形長達12厘米[1]，遍布印度洋西部至太平洋中部[3]。它可以在紅樹林和河口發現[2]。
Hydrozoa - Of the 3700 species of hydrozoans, only just over 60 of them have been recorded in Hong Kong’s waters. They tend to be smaller in size and can be difficult to spot for citizen scientists. They come in an amazing variety of different body types and arrangements. Check out some of the great diversity of the class that can be found in Hong Kong!
Two common hydrozoa are below:
Dennis Leung
Aequorea spp. [10] - common name: Crystal jellyfish
These hydromedusa can range in size from a couple of centimeters to 10 cm across or larger, depending on species. It can be difficult to identify species of Aequorea accurately due to overlapping variability in their morphology. One species of Aequorea was used to synthesize a Green Fluorescent Protein which is used in biomedical research. They are naturally bioluminescent. There are three species of crystal jellyfish recorded in Hong Kong waters - A. macrodactylus (photo), A. pensilis, A. parva [9].
HKJP
Porpita porpita - common name: Blue button
This is a colonial hydroid, meaning that it is made up of individual zooids, all performing different tasks. It can be found around the world in warmer tropical and sub-tropical waters. Porpita porpita is a frequent visitor to Hong Kong, usually washing up in very large numbers. Mild to negligible sting.
Many hydrozoans are very small, under a few centimeters and are very difficult to see. A big thank you to the blackwater divers who have spotted these hydrozoans and shared their photos with the HKJP!
Liriope tetraphylla
Photo: Dickson Wong
Aglaura hemistoma
Photo: Wai Hong Yiu
Solmundella bitentaculata
Photo: Wai Hong Yiu
Leuckartiara octonema
Photo: Atim Lau
Amphinema rugosum
Photo: Atim Lau
Siphonophores are not "true" jellyfish (Scyphozoa), however are frequently included in the larger general category of "gelatinous plankton". They are a separate Order under the Class Hydrozoa and like some other Hydrozoans, they are composed of individual zooids that perform specialized functions, working together to form a colony. There are approximately 175 species of siphonophores in the world, though only a few of them have been spotted in Hong Kong waters.
Physalia physalis
Photo: Andrew Bridle
Agalma okenii
Photo: Wai Hong Yiu
Muggiaea atlantica
Photo: Wai Hong Yiu
Forskalia cf. tholoides
Photo: Atim Lau
Rhizophysa sp.
Photo: Wai Hong Yiu
References:
1. Jarms, G. & Morandini, A.C. (2019). World Atlas of Jellyfish. Dölling und Galitz Verlag, 816p.
2. SeaLifeBase (2020). Retrieved August 10, 2020, from https://www.sealifebase.se/search.php
3. Souza, M., & Dawson, M. (2018). Redescription of Mastigias papua (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) with designation of a neotype and recognition of two additional species. Zootaxa, 4457, 520–536. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4457.4.2
4. Zhang, 张姝 Shu, Zhang, 张芳 Fang, Liu, 刘媛 Yuan, & Cui, 崔朝霞 Zhao-Xia. (2009). Molecular identification of two macro-jellyfish in China. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 40(1), 8.
5. Collins, A. G.; Jarms, G.; Morandini, A. C. (2020a). World List of Scyphozoa. Acromitus flagellatus (Maas, 1903). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=220489 on 2020-12-06
6. Collins, A. G.; Jarms, G.; Morandini, A. C. (2020b). World List of Scyphozoa. Pelagia panopyra Péron & Lesueur, 1810. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=220477 on 2020-12-06
7. Brotz, L., Cheung, W., Kleisner, K., Pakhomov, E., & Pauly, D. (2012). Increasing jellyfish populations: Trends in Large Marine Ecosystems. Hydrobiologia, 690, 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1039-7
8. Claudia Mills. https://faculty.washington.edu/cemills/Ctenophores.html
9. Schuchert, P. (2021). World Hydrozoa Database. Aequorea Péron & Lesueur, 1810. Accessed through: Astudillo, J. C.; Williams, G. A.; Leung, K. M. Y.; Cannicci, S.; Yasuhara, M.; Yau, C.; Qiu, J-W.; Ang, P. O.; To, A. W. L.; Shea, S. K. H. (Eds.) (2021) Hong Kong Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/hkrms/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=116998 on 2021-11-23
10. Claudia Mills https://faculty.washington.edu/cemills/Aequorea.html
11. Morandini, A., & Marques, A. C. (2010). Revision of the genus Chrysaora Péron & Lesueur, 1810 (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). Zootaxa, 2464(2464), 1–97.
12. Omori, M., & Kitamura, M. (2004). Taxonomic review of three Japanese species of edible jellyfish (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae). Plankton Biology and Ecology, 51(1), 36–51.
13. Ricca, P. M. C., & Cheung, H. C. A. (2021). Sighting of the rare jellyfish Anomalorhiza shawi Light, 1921 in a marine protected area of Hong Kong. Check List, 17(2), 701–707. https://doi.org/10.15560/17.2.701
14. Chuan, C., Venmathi Maran, B. A., Yap, T. K., Cheong, K. C., Syed Hussein, M. A., Saleh, E., & shau hwai, T. (2020). First record of jellyfish Anomalorhiza shawi Light, 1921 (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) and its associated organisms in Sabah, Malaysia. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 101232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2020.101232
15. Terenzini, J., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2022). First records of the jellyfishes Thysanostoma loriferum (Ehrenberg, 1837) and Netrostoma setouchianum (Kishinouye, 1902) in Hong Kong waters. Check List, 18(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.15560/18.2.357
16. Ohtsuka, S., Kondo, Y., Iwasaki, S., & Hayashi, K. (2011). Caridean shrimps associated with the rhizostome jellyfish Netrostoma setouchiana in the central part of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan (in Japanese). Bulletin of the Hiroshima University Museum, 3, 1–6.
17. http://www.cqvip.com/qk/90949a/201501/663912121.html
18. Wang, S., Zhang, G., Zhou, K., & Sun, S. (2020). Long-term population variability and reproductive strategy of a northward expanded ctenophore Pleurobrachia globosa Moser, 1903 in a temperate bay, China. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 533, 151457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2020.151457
19. Gemmell, B. J., Colin, S. P., Costello, J. H., & Sutherland, K. R. (2019). A ctenophore (comb jelly) employs vortex rebound dynamics and outperforms other gelatinous swimmers. Royal Society Open Science, 6(3), 181615. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.181615
20. Sun, Y., Tsui, J. H. Y., Wong, R. T. H., Cheung, R. N. C., Ng, M. K. P., Or, C. K. M., & Qiu, J.-W. (2023). A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Cnidaria: Tripepalidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China. Zoological Studies, 62(17). https://doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2023.62-17
21. Kingsford, M., Schlaefer, J., & Morrissey, S. (2021). Population Structures and Levels of Connectivity for Scyphozoan and Cubozoan Jellyfish. Diversity, 13(4), 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13040174