Assessment of scyphozoan diversity, distribution and blooms: Implications of jellyfish outbreaks to the environment and human welfare in Malaysia

Abstract

Despite the significant impacts of scyphozoan jellyfish blooms and fishery to human welfare, scientific knowledge pertaining to the scyphozoans particularly in the tropics have not been progressive due to high species diversity and unresolved taxonomic issues. Previous works in Malaysian waters have exemplified these problems. Here, we provide the most up-to-date collation of research data on scyphozoan jellyfish from Malaysian waters pertaining to their valid species names, distribution and habitat through field surveys and examination of past records. We further examined the threats and positive impacts of the local scyphozoan blooms to human welfare. Twenty identified and verified species, nine unidentified species (i.e. to the genus level only) and five unverified species of scyphozoan from the orders of Rhizostomeae, Semaeostomeae and Coronatae in the Malaysian waters are reported. Versuriga anadyomene is a first record for the Malaysian region, while the edible Lobonemoides robustus is a first record in the eastern waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Species richness was the highest in southern Peninsular Malaysia (19 species), with the mangrove–mudflat habitats having more species (nine species) than the other coastal habitats. Chrysaora chinensis was generally more abundant than other species in the sandy-beach areas. Some species appear to be habitat-specific; Acromitus hardenbergi was only found in the Perak River and Sungei Buloh mangrove-estuary while Cassiopea, Cephea and Netrostoma species were only recorded in the island waters of the eastern and southern Peninsular Malaysia. Nine species were identified as threats to the fishing industry, marine aquaculture, power plant operation, coastal tourism or human health, while eight species are providing economic benefits to the jellyfish fishery and aquarium trade.