Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean, Caribbean, Southern Florida and Hawaii
Diet: Photosynthesis and zooplankton
Size: Up to 16 inches wide and 10 inches high
The medusa lives upside-down in shallow mangrove swamps, mudflats, canals and grass flats. They have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae that gives the jellies its nutrients, energy and color. They come in a variety of colors including white, blue, green, and brown.
Stinging cells are excreted in a mucus where it will sting animals that are nearby. The sting is mild to humans and may form a skin irritation that is itchy.
A crab will sometimes pick up an Upside Down Jellyfish and carry it on its back to defend itself against possible predators