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Upside down jelly

Upside down jelly

Upside-down jellies are commonly found in mangrove ecosystems and can tolerate a wide range of salinities. This species hosts photosynthetic algae, which provide most of the energy needed for the jelly’s day-to-day activities and is also responsible for the brownish colour of the jelly. Upside-down jellies mostly lie around and “suntan” (for the algae to photosynthesise), only ever moving if disturbed or if they need to find a better spot to "tan". The saucer-shaped bell of the jelly acts as a suction cup to stabilise the animal on the seabed. They can, however, catch and eat food like zooplankton for energy. They grow up to 25cm in diameter.

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Commonly found in mangrove ecosystems.
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Grow up to 25cm in diameter.
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Hosts photosynthetic algae.