Peach blossom jellyfish is found in Yangshan Lake. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
A rare freshwater species known as the peach blossom jellyfish, often dubbed the "giant panda of the water" for its rarity, has been found in Yangshan Lake in Yangshan town, Huishan district, Wuxi.
The discovery was confirmed by experts from the Academy of Environmental Planning and Design at Nanjing University. It is seen as clear evidence of the progress the area has made in terms of protecting its water ecology.
On Sept 10, clusters of transparent jellyfish were seen drifting in the lake near the shore, their shapes resembling white peach blossom petals. Photographers who heard the news lowered action cameras into the water to capture close-up images.
After learning about the sighting, town authorities contacted specialists for identification. Experts from the academy confirmed the jellyfish's characteristics.
Residents relax by the lake in Yangshan town. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The peach blossom jellyfish has a complex life cycle that includes medusa, polyp, planula larva and dormant stages. The medusa visible to the naked eye is only a brief phase. The species' long-term survival depends on benthic polyps and dormant bodies hidden underwater, along with the microhabitats they rely on.
The discovery was not accidental, said Yin Ye, a staff member from Yangshan town's environment office. The town has given priority to ecological protection and carried out regular, detailed management of Yangshan Lake. These efforts have continued to improve water quality and the lake's ecology. Rare birds were also spotted on the slopes of Yangshan not long ago.
Over the past five years, Huishan district has added 15 wetland protection communities, bringing its registered wetland resources to 23 sites covering 3,391.65 hectares. The district's wetland protection rate has risen from 5.74 percent at the end of 2020 to 40.31 percent, the largest increase in Wuxi.
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