| Mangrove Upsidedown Jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) Bigelow, 1892 |
| Synonyms: Cassiopea vanderhorsti, Cassiopea andromeda (in part) |
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Cassiopea xamachana occurs in tropical parts of the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is found on the seabed of inshore bays, shallow lagoons, and estuaries, often in proximity to Red Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), and no deeper than 10 m. The life cycle alternates between a polyp phase and the medusa phase. The medusa grows to 15-25 cm in diameter, and has four pairs of branched tentacles. It usually resides upside-down on the bottom, attached to the substrate with it flat bell. This upside-down position exposes the symbiotic dinoflagellates to sufficient light. The latter produce carbohydrates supplying the medusa’s nutritional needs, although C. xamachana also catches small prey with its tentacles. If disturbed, the jellyfish may pulsate its bell, propelling through the water. This species is sometimes included within the Indo-Pacific C. andromeda.
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