Mangrove Upside-Down Jelly
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Lives on sandy bottoms in shallow waters of the Caribbean. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
In this curious, fascinating creature, the oral tentacles have large lateral appendages. These jellies have an alternation of generations, with a hydroidlike polyp as one stage, a swimming medusa the other. If polyps become established, they reproduce asexually and become a nuisance.
Family: Cassiopeidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum height: 30 cm (12 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Bright illumination is necessary.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Zooxanthellate; can subsist for long periods without feeding if dissolved nutrient level is high. Feeds on small planktonic animals, like Artemia or Mysis, or feeder fishes such as mollies.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Not suitable for the standard reef tank. Can sting and kill other animals. Has nematocysts and may be toxic to humans.
[edit] Notes
Requires water with little motion and will do best in a lagoon-type biotope or species tank. Outflow apertures and overflow boxes must be well screened. A well-established, productive sand bed is important as a source of live food.
| Common name | Mangrove Upside-Down Jelly + |
| Family | Cassiopeidae + |
| Genus | Cassiopeia + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Bright illumination is necessary. + |
| Maximum height | 12 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean + |
| Placement | In full bright light. + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | xamachana + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |