One of the most unusual organisms found residing on the bottom in tropical waters is the Upside Down Jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) who spends most of its time resting on the bottom with it’s stingy tentacles extended upwards into the water.
Upside Down Jellyfish © Donnali
Most of its energy is provided by tiny one-celled algae (zooxanthellae) that dwell within the tissues of the tentacles which are thus exposed to sunlight and are capable of using photosynthesis to produce food. Therefore resting on the bottom and adapting the look of a sea anemone seems to be the best option for this species of jellyfish.
However, if disturbed this species is also capable of swimming and catching prey or drawing nutrients from the water if needed.
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Thanks for using my photo of the upside down jellyfish. Also I enjoyed your research … nicely done 🙂
LissaYeah we have had a few of these bad boys wash up in Frenchman’s Cove the past few weeks. I keep a healthy daistnce, dead or alive, and have learned the hard way when a kid not to touch a dead one and then rub your eyes.