Dwarf Lion's Mane Jellyfish
Cyanea versicolor
One of the smallest species of Lion's Mane jellyfish, frequently reaching only 5-8" diameter in the wild. Typically found along the US Atlantic coast from Delaware south through the Gulf of Mexico. Seasonal, usually February-May but there are reports of specimens through July. The species name "versicolor" likely refers to the many varying color morphs that exist. I am a bit biased, but I feel the most beautiful and vibrant red DLM jellies are found in North Carolina and Virginia.
The Gulf of Mexico morph have dramatic pairs of lines that run outwards from the center of the bell. Atlantic specimens retain these lines, but they are shorter and smaller overall.
Caring for Dwarf Lion's Mane Jellyfish
Dwarf Lion's Manes are an easy species with only a few caveats to their care. Being small, rugged and colorful, DLM jellies are an ideal candidate for home aquarists looking to keep a Lion's Mane Jellyfish. By far the easiest lion's mane jelly to care for, but also one of the easier jellyfish species in general.
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Most, if not all of the DLM jellies being raised today can be traced back to a culture I started in 2016. C. versicolor has likely been reared in various public aquariums for some time, but is often given the blanket label of Cyanea capillata. Because of this, there isn't a ton of published literature on keeping these jellies. But as you'll find out below, they're fantastic to keep and work with.
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Stocking density: DLM jellies have hundreds of tentacles that stretch a considerable distance behind them. For this reason, they should be stocked at a minimal density. Larger, longer tanks are ideal so they have room to fully extend their tentacles. Exact stocking density will vary on the design, but ideally, these should be stocked at 1 jelly per 5 gallon aquarium, 2-3 per 10 gallon aquarium and 3-5 per 20 gallon aquarium.
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Flow: With all those tentacles, these jellies can be sticky! They like to adhere to the sides of the tank or anything they can catch on. That being said, DLM jellies are fairly energetic and strong swimmers. Set the flow to medium and increase if they are getting stuck to the sides or bottom of the tank.
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Feeding: DLM jellies eat just about anything they can get their tentacles on. In the wild, this may end up being fish larvae, plankton, and other species of jellyfish. In captivity, a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, baby brine shrimp, and jellyfish pellet foods are all good options. They will gladly eat other species of jellyfish, such as moon jellies, but this doesn't seem to be a requirement for this species. For jellies 1/2" diameter and under, feed live baby brine shrimp. Once they exceed 1/2", start incorporating diced mysis shrimp to their diet at least a few times per week.
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Temperature Range: 60-74 F- One of the only lion's mane jellies that can tolerate warmer waters.
Salinity: 1.023 SG or 31 ppt - tolerant of a wide range of salinities, I have seen them as low as 20 ppt. Like most jellies, they aren't fond of rapid change so consistency with temp and salinity is key.
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Life Stages
Planula, swimming in search of a permanent home.