Upside Down Jellyfish EXPERT ONLY
The Upside Down Jellyfish, also called the Cassiopeia Jellyfish, is so named because its flattened bell (head) rests on the bottom. It extends its frilly tentacles up into the water column where they capture planktonic food and absorb light that is used by photosynthetic algae that are housed in its body.
It prefers a wide sandy bottom in the aquarium and requires high intensity light for photosynthesis to occur. It will not tolerate copper or high nitrates in the water, and since its body is composed of 95 to 98% water, sudden changes in salinity or pH can have radical consequences.
Its sting is mildly toxic; humans very rarely notice the sting. Care should still be taken when handling it or during aquarium maintenance.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preferred Habitat | Wide sandy bottom, high light environment |
| Light Requirement | High intensity light for photosynthesis |
| Water Sensitivity | High sensitivity to salinity and pH changes |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic sting; minimal human reaction |
| Feeding | Planktonic food captured via tentacles |
FAQ
What kind of lighting does the Upside Down Jellyfish need?
The Upside Down Jellyfish requires high intensity light for photosynthesis to occur, as the algae inside its body rely on light to survive.
Can this jellyfish live in a standard aquarium setup?
No, it requires a specialized setup with a wide sandy bottom and high light intensity. Standard aquariums without these conditions are not suitable.
Is the jellyfish safe to handle?
The sting is mildly toxic, and while humans rarely notice it, care should still be taken when handling or during maintenance.
Caroline Forsyth –
After setting up a dedicated tank with strong lighting and sandy substrate, the jellyfish has been thriving. It’s a unique sight with its bell resting on the bottom and tentacles rising. Feeding is easy with regular planktonic food. I’ve maintained stable water parameters and it hasn’t shown any signs of stress.
Benjamin North –
This jellyfish is fascinating and adds a lot of visual interest. I made sure to use high-intensity LED lighting and a sandy bottom. It’s sensitive to water changes, so I avoid any sudden shifts in pH or salinity. The photosynthetic algae inside help sustain it, which is a nice bonus.
Irene Sutherland –
It’s a beautiful species, but requires a lot of attention. I had to adjust my lighting and substrate carefully. It’s not for beginners. I’ve kept it stable for over three months with consistent water testing and feeding.