First Record of a Cannonball Jellyfish Bloom (Stomolophus sp.) in Venezuelan Waters

Jellyfish blooms are dynamic events driven by environmental and anthropogenic factors. This study reports the first documented bloom of the cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus sp.) in Venezuelan waters, observed between March and April 2024 along approximately 120 km of coastline. Reports from anglers and divers confirmed high jellyfish abundances (~3 ind. m−3) across multiple sites. Environmental analyses suggest that fluctuations in sea surface temperature, increased chlorophyll a concentrations, and high precipitation in the preceding months may have triggered strobilation and subsequent bloom formation. However, the polyps have not yet been observed in the field, and advective movement from other locations cannot be ruled out. Given the commercial importance of Stomolophus spp. in neighboring regions, this record underscores the need for continued monitoring to assess potential range expansions and their ecological and socio-economic impacts. Additionally, the emergence of this bloom raises questions about the species’ distribution patterns, potential establishment in Venezuelan waters, and possible implications for local fisheries. Our findings contribute to the broader understanding of gelatinous zooplankton dynamics in the Caribbean Sea and provide baseline information for future ecological assessments and fisheries management strategies. Further studies, including genetic analyses, are needed to confirm species identity and investigate the drivers behind this unprecedented bloom.