• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2020

The distribution and genotypes of the sea nettle Chrysaora pacifica have been reported in the South Sea of Korea; however, little research work has been attempted in the East Sea. Here, we collected similar jellyfishes from the East Sea coasts (Goseong, Yangyang and Sokcho), and identified them to the sea nettle morphologically. In addition, the genotypes of these sea nettle were compared with those from the South Sea (Tongyeong and Geoje). Phylogenetic analysis by using the mitochondrial COI sequences showed that the genus Chrysaora was clearly separated from other taxa to be formed a monophyletic group, with each species distinctly separated. C. pacifica in the East and South Seas was separated geographically by the COI phylogeography, representing potentially different populations. The COI gene of the Korean C. pacifica had approximately 7 times more genetic variation than the nuclear ITS rDNA, and thus it might be considered as a useful marker for genetic analysis of the jellyfish population.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 2016

The nomenclature of the sea nettle jellyfish from Korea was initially described as Dactylometra quinquecirrha Agassiz, 1862. However its identity has been questioned on the basis of its local distribution and molecular data. Here, we examined morphology and DNA sequences of nuclear rDNA using specimens collected from southern Korean waters in August 2014. Based on morphological characteristics (bell size, umbrella pattern, number of tentacles and lappets) and distribution locality, we reassign the Korean D. quinquecirrha to Chrysaora pacifica (Goette, 1886), and provide a re-description accordingly. The molecular identity of C. pacifica was further confirmed by comparison of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences.