Pet Jellyfish: Pacific and Atlantic Nettle (Chrysaora Fuscescens and Quinquecirrha)

Sea nettles are one of the most popular displays in public aquariums. His movement seems pure poetry in movement. Marine nettles inhabit the Atlantic (Chrysaora fuscescens), Pacific Ocean (Chrysaora quinquecirrha). Depending on the species, they grow from 6 inches to three feet in diameter. Usually its trailing tentacles reach more than twice that length. The Pacific is the larger of the two species. This jellyfish was successfully cultivated in Monterey California less than two decades ago. This was the first time they were bred in captivity. Monterey was the first aquarium to display jellyfish to the public.

The sting of a sea nettle is often fatal or proportionally sized prey. Their bite is classified as moderate to severe when it comes to human interaction. Its venom is not lethal unless it is the result of an allergic reaction. They will cause moderate levels of discomfort in people who are not overly sensitive to jellyfish toxins. Toxicology reports on Japanese sea nettles (Chrysaora melanaster) indicate more serious reactions.

Nettle bells are semi-transparent. Pacific nettles can be white and dull in appearance or striped. Striped bells are typically reddish-brown in color adorned with small white dots. The native Atlantic species is generally a pale shade of pink or yellow and may also be striped. Long, flowing tentacles extend from the circumference of the bell and generally extend 2-3 times the diameter of the bell. Sea nettles have a single open mouth at the bottom of their bell. In addition to the mouth, they have a long, lace-shaped oral arm in the center of the bell that carries food to the mouth opening.

Unlike most jellyfish, sea nettles are very good swimmers and swim continuously. They seem to prefer swimming against the current, which is why they are often seen swimming upside down in most images.

It should be noted that Pacific nettles are the larger of the two species. There are no easy-to-build aquariums big enough to house them. They will require a custom configuration. You should also be aware that these jellyfish are indigenous to colder waters, from Northern California to Alaska. They are used to water temperatures in the mid-50s range. Your jellyfish aquarium will require a water cooler to suit your environmental needs.