Cassiopea

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Cassiopeia

Cassiopea spp.

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Cnidaria
Class:	Scyphozoa
Order:	Rhizostomae
Family:	Cassiopeidae
Genus:	Cassiopea

Species

C. andromeda

C. frondosa

C. medusa

C. mertensi

C. xamachana

This article is about the jellyfish Cassiopeia. For the constellation, see Cassiopeia (constellation). For the fictional character in Encantadia, see Cassiopea.

Cassiopea is a genus of upside-down jellyfish very commonly found in shallow mangrove swamps, mudflats, and turtle grass flats in Florida and various other similar environments around the world. Where found there may be numerous individuals with varying shades of white, blue, green and brown. They have a mild sting since they are primarily photosynthetic, but sensitive individuals may have a stronger reaction. The stinging cells are excreted in a mucus therfore not stinging you if disturbed by you, but the person behind you. The stings, appearing in the form of a red rash-like skin irritation, are notorious for being extraordinarily itchy.

The Cassiopeia jellyfish (Cassiopeia andromeda) belongs to the Order of Rhizostomeae and mostly lives in sandy areas and seagrass beds. The Cassiopea jellyfish is also called "Upside Down Jellyfish", because it is lying on its back, so the bell touches the ground. In this position it resembles a sea anemone. Sometimes this jellyfish is picked up by a crab (Dorippe frascone) and carried on its back. The crab uses the jellyfish to defend itself against possible predators.