Advertisement

Missouri Nature|On The Water

Few People Know There Are Jellyfish Hiding In These Missouri Lakes

By Liz Oliver | Published September 25, 2018

Most people expect to find jellyfish in the ocean. In reality, you can find little jellyfish right here in the Show Me State. These freshwater jellyfish can be found in lakes all across Missouri. Autumn is the best season for jellyfish spotting, find out what lakes in Missouri have confirmed sightings.

Missouri is home to many peaceful lakes that are perfect for kayaking. These quiet lakes hide a surprising creature - freshwater jellyfish. Most recently, a Missouri Department of Conservation staff member discovered a pocket of jellyfish floating near the surface of Lake Tom Sawyer.

Freshwater jellyfish can be found in 44 states across the US. Although these creatures aren't uncommon, they aren't spotted very often in Missouri. However, September and early October are the best months to spot them.

Advertisement

Much like their saltwater relatives, these jellyfish do have stingers. Luckily, because of their small size the sting doesn't harm humans. Fully grown these jellyfish only grow to be about an inch in diameter.

Advertisement

Confirmed sightings have also appeared in Pomme De Terre Lake. These delicate animals can't handle much of a current, so you can usually find them on smaller lakes throughout the state.

On warm fall days the jellyfish will rise toward the top of the water to feed. Their presence also indicates good water quality since their colonies can't thrive in polluted waters.

Paddle out into a quiet cove for the best shot at seeing these gentle jellyfish. Sightings have even occurred at Lake of the Ozarks.

Seeing these jellyfish requires a little bit of luck and a lot of patience. Why not try your luck at Stockton Lake, where jellyfish have been spotted before.

Check out this short video, taken on Lake Tom Sawyer at Mark Twain State Park, that shows these freshwater jellyfish floating with the current.

Did you know Missouri was home to freshwater jellyfish? Have you ever seen one of these aquatic creatures? Share with us in the comments below?

Do you love the ocean? Dine beneath the blue glow of this huge ocean aquarium at this Missouri restaurant.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Missouri