Upside-Down Jellyfish
Cassiopea andromeda
- Group: Jellyfish
- Max size: 30 cm
- For divers: dangerous
Rather than swim mouth up, it lies on its back on the bottom of shallow lagoons and mudflats with its frilly arms pointed at the sun. Those arms hold algae that feed it on sunlight, and brushing them gives a venomous sting that can leave the water itchy.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Cnidaria › Scyphozoa › Rhizostomeae › Cassiopeidae › Cassiopea
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 135295.
FAQ
- Is the Upside-Down Jellyfish dangerous to divers?
- The Upside-Down Jellyfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Upside-Down Jellyfish get?
- The Upside-Down Jellyfish grows to about 30 cm.