Marbled Jellyfish (Lynchnorhiza lucerna)

The marbled jellyfish (Lychnorhiza lucerna) is a striking and robust species inhabiting the coastal waters of South America. It is easily identified by the unique marbled or speckled pattern adorning its large, dome-shaped bell, which can be white, blue, or brown. It possesses eight short, thick, and fused oral arms that give it a compact and substantial appearance. Adults of this jellyfish are observed to be 15-20 cm, with a maximum size of 40cm. This jellyfish propels itself through the water with graceful pulses, often forming large seasonal aggregations or blooms.

Notes: They do best and are most stable in slightly less salty water, around 25-30ppt. The key to healthy growth is frequent daily feedings of baby brine shrimp. They will also accept larger foods like frozen mysids. It is essential to keep the aquarium clean and free of debris. If ingested, this debris can rot internally and harm the jellyfish. While they can grow over 30cm, they often develop imperfect, asymmetrical shapes in captivity, such as a small bell relative to the oral arms.

Their polyps should be kept in lower salinity at 20-25ppt, and they strobilate periodically at room temperature. Freshly hatched brine shrimps are suitable for culturing both polyps and ephyrae.