Do Upside-down Jellyfish Influence Marine Macrofauna Assemblages?

Authors

• Juleika Y. Vega Pérez, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus
• Natalia B. Lopez-Figueroa, University of South Florida
• Sebastian DiGeronimo, University of South Florida
• Michael J. Schram, University of South Florida
• Milton Muñoz Hincapie, Jobos Bay National Estuarine Reserve
• Elizabeth Stoner, Bentley University
• Pamela Hallock, University of South Florida

Document Type

Poster Session

Publication Date

1-16-2026

Abstract

• Estuaries are essential ecosystems for many organisms as they serve as spawning areas and nurseries
• Macrofauna are crucial members of estuarine ecosystems
• Many estuary macrofauna are considered of commercial importance
• Jellyfish blooms can alter nutrient cycling and modify habitat
• Little is known about how other macrofauna respond to Cassiopea blooms
• This study documents composition and diversity of macrofauna associated with Cassiopea blooms in Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico

Rights Information

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Scholar Commons Citation

Vega Pérez, Juleika Y.; Lopez-Figueroa, Natalia B.; DiGeronimo, Sebastian; Schram, Michael J.; Muñoz Hincapie, Milton; Stoner, Elizabeth; and Hallock, Pamela, "Do Upside-down Jellyfish Influence Marine Macrofauna Assemblages?" (2026). Making Waves REU. 16.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/making-waves_reu/16