Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella)

Overview

Chrysaora hysoscella, the compass jellyfish, is a common species of jellyfish that inhabits coastal waters in temperate regions of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Compass Jellyfish have eight groups of three tentacles, so 24 tentacles in total. A translucent yellowish-white jellyfish with brown markings around the fringe and on the top of the bell. Those atop the bell resemble a compass, with V shapes radiating out from a central point. They have a bunch of frilled oral arms below the bell and long thin marginal tentacles around the fringe of the bell.

Not common in aquarium trade, or in display in public aquariums because they are not easy to breed and grow in captivity.

Compass jellyfish Chrysaora hysoscella
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Species Information

  • Harmful to humans: Partially – Stings from captive bred species are usually undetectable, however may cause irritation to those with sensitive skin

  • Distribution: Northeast Atlantic Ocean, The Mediterranean Sea, and the coast of South Africa

  • Maximum Bell Size: 50 cm (19.5 inches)

  • Life Span: 1 – 2 years

  • Feeding: Brine shrimp, moon jellyfish, comb jellyfish

  • Temperature: 16 – 20°C (57 – 64°F)

  • Photosynthetic: No

  • Care level: Difficult