Marbled Jellyfish
Lychnorhiza lucerna
Marbled jellyfish were a species that largely flew under the radar until they were reared in captivity by multiple public aquariums. For a while, even a google search lacked clear pictures of this species. Despite their lack of notoriety, they will quickly win your heart over! Remarkably easy to keep and good looking, Marbled jellies are a fantastic option for home and public aquarists alike. Found off the Atlantic coast of South America from Venezuela to Argentina, typically Autumn through spring.
A juvenile Marbled jelly with residual polyp tissue growing on the edge of its bell. An uncommon but interesting deformity.
Caring for Marbled Jellyfish
Marbled Jellies make a great species for beginners or those looking to branch away from Moon Jellyfish. Very hardy, active and interesting to watch. They stay a clear-ish, slightly lavender color until they reach about baseball size. At that point they turn a cream color, sometimes developing a rich blue line around the edge of their bell.
Stocking density: Lacking tentacles, Marbled jellies can be kept pretty close together.
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.
Temperature Range: 68-74 F
Salinity: Marbled Jellies benefit from a brackish salinity of 1.014 SG or 20 PPT.
1.014 SG or 20 ppt
Life Stages
Polyp: Small polyp with very long tentacles and a large, ballon shaped manubrium. Asexually reproduces via podcysts formation. Up to four ephyra per strobila.
Ephyra: A very light lavender color with unique, spiked lapets. Top side of bell is dotted with whitish blue nematocysts.
