Home > Invertebrates > Jellyfishes > Cassiopea andromeda

Family Cassiopeidae

HAWAII

Cassiopea andromeda

Moku o Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 3 feet

 

 

Moku o Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 6 feet

 

UPSIDE-DOWN JELLYFISH

Locally common on the silty bottom of harbors, bays, and fishponds.  Will release powerful nematocysts into the water with the slightest disturbance.  Contains zooxanthellae and lays upside-down to expose tentacles to the sun.  Large adults may have elongated flap-like tentacles packed with zooxanthellae of contrasting color.  Attains 12 inches.  Introduced to Hawaii from the  Indo-Pacific.