The Upside-down Sea Jelly – Cassiopea andromeda is a fascinating and unique species of jellyfish found in tropical and subtropical waters. Unlike most jellyfish, which swim vertically in the water column, this species prefers to rest on the seafloor with its tentacles facing upward. This unusual behavior gives it its common name and makes it a truly captivating sight.
Description & Characteristics
The Upside-down Sea Jelly – Cassiopea andromeda is characterized by its dome-shaped bell, which can reach a maximum diameter of about 30 centimeters. Its body is a pale, translucent white with brown or purple markings, often resembling a mosaic pattern. The tentacles are relatively short and stubby, arranged in a circle around the mouth. These tentacles are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts, which are used to paralyze and capture prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Upside-down Sea Jelly – Cassiopea andromeda is typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often in lagoons, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. It prefers habitats with soft sediments and plenty of sunlight. It is a common sight in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. This species thrives in the intertidal zone and the neritic zone of the ocean, where sunlight is abundant.
Taxonomy
The species Cassiopea andromeda belongs to the Class: Scyphozoa, Order: Rhizostomeae, and Family: Cassiopeidae. These classifications highlight its unique features and place it within the broader context of jellyfish evolution.
Feeding
The Upside-down Sea Jelly – Cassiopea andromeda is a carnivore and a heterotrophic organism. Its diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, such as brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, mysis, and oyster eggs. It also obtains nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae reside within the jellyfish’s tissues, providing them with energy through photosynthesis. This unique feeding strategy allows the Upside-down Sea Jelly – Cassiopea andromeda to thrive in nutrient-poor waters.
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