Cassiopea (upside-down jellyfish)

Cassiopea andromeda

Cassiopea (upside-down jellyfish)

Cassiopea andromeda
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Cassiopea andromeda

Characteristics and Behavior:

The upside-down jellyfish, belonging to the genus Cassiopea, is a distinctive species known for its unique orientation—resting on its bell with its tentacles facing upward. These jellyfish have a flattened, saucer-like shape with a translucent, often greenish or blueish coloration. Their tentacles are short and frilly, resembling a carpet of algae. Instead of swimming, they pulse gently, mainly using their symbiotic photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) to produce energy.

Habitat:

Lifecycle:

Fun Facts:

  1. Symbiotic Algae: Upside-down Jellyfish form a mutualistic relationship with photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues. The algae provide nutrients through photosynthesis, while the jellyfish offer protection and access to sunlight.
  2. Unique Feeding Strategy: Unlike many other jellyfish species, Upside-down Jellyfish do not actively hunt. Instead, they rely on the drifting plankton and detritus that get caught in their tentacles while facing upwards.
  3. Stingless and Safe: These jellyfish are considered relatively harmless to humans. Their stinging cells, if present, are not potent enough to cause significant harm. However, skin irritation may occur for some individuals upon contact.

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