Caribbean Upsidedown Jelly

Cassiopea frondosa

Cassiopea frondosa is a jellyfish species characterized by its unique upside-down position, with its bell facing down and oral arms pointing upwards. It typically has a bell diameter of less than 15 cm and can vary in color, appearing in shades of brown, blue, green, or mixtures thereof, influenced by its environment and symbiotic relationships. This jellyfish is distinguished from other species in its family by its size and features, including 12 sensory organs known as rhopalia. Found in warm subtropical marine waters, Cassiopea frondosa inhabits areas such as the Caribbean, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems. It thrives at depths ranging from 0 to 10 meters, often resting on the seabed and utilizing water currents for movement and gas exchange. This species has a symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellate algae, which provides nutrients through photosynthesis, while the jellyfish offers protection and sunlight exposure. Cassiopea frondosa is both a filter feeder and carnivorous, consuming small benthic crustaceans, zooplankton, and detritus. It captures prey by pulsating its bell to create water currents that filter out food. The jellyfish reproduces through a gonochoric life cycle, where males and females lay eggs that develop into free-floating planulae, eventually settling and maturing into medusas. Encounters with this jellyfish during dives can be intriguing, as they often rest on the substrate, allowing divers to observe their unique orientation and coloration. The conservation status of Cassiopea frondosa is not evaluated, indicating its presence in various marine ecosystems.