
Upside Down Jellyfish
Cassiopea xamachana
Reef Safe
With Caution
Care Summary
Upside Down Jellyfish are a uniquely manageable jellyfish species that rest on the substrate with their bells down and tentacles up, relying on photosynthetic zooxanthellae in their tissue rather than constant active feeding. They need a shallow, low-flow tank with moderate to high reef-spectrum lighting, and unlike other jellyfish they do not require a kreisel system, making them more accessible to hobbyists with standard setups. Do not allow strong flow to flip them over for extended periods, and make sure no protein skimmer intakes or powerhead guards are close enough to damage their bells. Supplement their zooxanthellae nutrition with weekly feedings of baby brine shrimp or copepods broadcast near them, and keep lighting on a consistent schedule to maintain their symbiotic algae.
