Barrel Jellyfish
Rhizostoma pulmo
A large, charismatic species of jellyfish found in the Mediterranean Sea. Their latin name "pulmo" refers to their rhythmic pulsing movement which resembles that of a lung. This also earned them the alternative common name of "Sea Lung".
Caring for Barrel Jellies
Barrel jellyfish are very new to the world of jelly-culturing. And as such, there is still a lot to learn about keeping them. As juveniles, they grow incredibly fast, but commonly start to develop malformed bells when they reach golf ball size. I have found that utilizing the hyposalinity method, feeding copious amounts of very nutritious foods and keeping water quality stable and clean are important for their proper development. Water flow seems very critical as well.
Stocking density: With no true tentacles, there's no concern of them tangling together. That being said, Barrel Jellies like their space to move around and should be stocked moderately. Overstocking and cramping can lead to bell malformations and stunting.
Flow: Medium- You want just enough flow to keep these jellies off the bottom but not slinging them around the aquarium. We've found them to be somewhat picky about their flow. If they sit on the bottom of the aquarium for too long, they will develop abnormal bell pulsing which progresses to balling.
Feeding: Live or frozen baby brine shrimp, Reef Nutrition OysterFeast, live or frozen rotifers.
Temperature: 68-74 F
Salinity: 1.014 SG, 20 PPT. Can be kept at higher salinities but the best growth and health is achieved at a brackish salinity.
Life Stages
