Flame Jellyfish
Rhopilema esculentum
A popular species of jellyfish in aquaria as well as a food item in east Asia. In some parts of China, this species can be found for sale through street vendors, a byproduct of being farmed for the seafood industry. Fairly hardy and easy to care for.
This adolescent Flame Jelly has started to turn red at the tips of its arms and bell. Within a few weeks it will be bright red/orange.
Caring for Flame Jellyfish
With the right care and conditions, this species grows fast. They start out clear but start turning orange once they reach the size of a golfball. They briefly rock red frosted tips on their arms before the color covers their whole body.
Stocking density: Lacking tentacles, tangling is not an issue. Most rhizostomate jellyfish do best with plenty of space however. It's best to shoot for a medium stocking density with this species.
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Flow: Medium is ideal with this species. They are moderately capable of keeping themselves suspended so they only need a little water movement to help. That being said, they are relatively tolerant of higher flow.
Feeding: Live baby brine shrimp are ideal, live or frozen rotifers can also be incorporated. They eat a lot, so be sure to feed them often. Smaller, more frequent feedings are ideal.
Temperature Range: 68-74 F
Salinity: Flame Jellies benefit from a brackish salinity of 1.014 SG or 20 PPT.
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Compatibility with other species: Flame Jellies can be kept with Ice Jellyfish (Rhopilema asamushi). Notably, they do not do well with Marbled or Cannonball Jellies.
Life Stages
Polyp: Medium sized polyp with oval shape. Large, conspicuous manubrium. Polyps are somewhat delicate and sensitive. They may take a long time to settle in and get established when first recieved. Asexually reproduce via podocyst and stolon/budding. 3 to 4 ephyra per strobila is common, but 15-20 is possible.
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Ephyra: Clearish colored with 8 white triangular patches in the center. Ephyra grow exceptionally fast in the first week or two and then slow down.