Environmental drivers of <i>Catostylus tagi</i> polyp survival and reproduction: unlocking the role of temperature and salinity, supported with citizen science data

Optimal polyp performance occurred at 17-20 °C and 17.5-25 salinity. When considered alongside citizen science observations, these findings suggest that polyps may occur in estuarine areas where such conditions prevail, such as upper estuary inlets and marinas. It is further hypothesized that ephyrae could disperse to downstream and adjacent coastal zones <i>via</i> wind and tides. The correlation between sightings and past SSTs indicates the ephyrae and young medusae dispersal rate. Furthermore, this study highlights <i>C. tagi</i>'s adaptability to varying environmental conditions and contributes to identifying optimal parameters for polyp well-being and reproduction, with potential applications in jellyfish farming.