Jellyfish - Few to Choose From

Cassiopeia xamachana
Bigelow, 1892

Suction Cup Jellyfish, Upside-Down Jellyfish

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Not Suitable for Fish-Only Tank

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There are very few jellyfish that survive in closed systems. They are sensitive to water quality and require zero ammonia and nitrite levels, with nitrate not above 5 mg/l nitrate-N. They are 95% water, and have no brain, heart or eyes and absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide throughout the entire surface of their body. They also have no digestive tract, as food and waste matter pass through the same opening.

Circular water movement is also recommended. In fact, public aquariums utilize specialized tanks called kriesels or pseudo-kriesels that are circular or square tanks that have their interior corners rounded. Water enters in such a way that circular currents are formed which keep the jellyfish from settling to the bottom, more or less suspended in the water column as most are plankton feeders.