Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly

Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly
Name: Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly
Scientific Name: Cassiopea xamachana
Family: Jellyfishes
Taxonomic: Cassiopeidae
ID Group: Anemones, Hydroids, Jellyfish
Size: up to 1 ft.
Depth Range: Shorelines, Tidal pools (0 – 2 ft.)
Sightings: Seen often

This Jellyfish has a flat, saucer-shaped bell that rests upside down on the seafloor, with frilly, branching oral arms in shades of green, gray, or blue.

The Mangrove Upside-down Jellyfish lives in shallow waters near mangrove trees and seagrass beds. Tiny algae inside its body use sunlight to make food and give it its color. It can release mucus into the water that can cause mild stings.