Upside Down Jellyfish
Cassiopeia sp ON EXHIBIT: Jellies: Living Art exhibit
FUN FACTS
Unlike most other jellies, this species rests upside-down on the sea floor and rarely swims. When disturbed these jellies can release strings of mucous containing stinging cells as a defense mechanism.
CONSERVATION
Upside down jellies are commonly found basking in mangrove swamps and sea grass beds. These habitats are two of the most threatened habitats on Earth. They are easily damaged by human activities and coastal development.
Fan Photo
About This
Animal
SIZE: Up to 12 inches in diameter
RANGE: Shallow, coastal, tropical waters, Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Hawaii
HABITAT: Shallow coastal waters; sandy or muddy seafloor areas like sea grass beds and mangrove swamps
DIET: Some small plankton, but primarily photosynthetic deriving much of it food from symbiotic algae
(zooxanthellae)