By Jennifer Scherwin
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific Oceans, also ommon around Florida and West Indies
Biogeographic Regions:
indian ocean (native 
); atlantic ocean (native ); pacific ocean (native ).
Habitat
Sandy mud-flats of shallow waters (up to 5 m depth) Attaches to sandy bottom
Aquatic Biomes:
coastal .
Reproduction
Budding occurs in polyp stage.
Behavior
Lies upside-down, anchored on the shallow ocean bottom. It rarely swims. While anchored, its bell pulsates to drive water currents through, carrying respiratory gases and food.
Food Habits
Carnivorous; eats small marine animals or bits of them that get caught in its tentacles. It also shoots out nematocysts and mucous to paralyze and catch its prey.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
Jellyfish do not have much of an economic importance to humans directly. They do, however, make an impact on the fisheries industry, because jellyfish usually prey on fish and crustaceans. Cassiopeia andromeda does capture such prey and may therefore impact humans in a negative way.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Harmless to humans, the jellyfish Cassiopeia is a beautiful sight to see while snorkeling or diving in tropical waters. It contributes to the spectacular underwater diversity in shallow waters, and thus draws tourists and enthusiasts to areas it is found.
Other Comments
Cassiopeia has a symbiotic relationship with both zooxanthellae and shrimp. Zooxanthellae live within its tissues. They vary in color, affecting the coloration of the jellyfish. A shrimp (Periclimenes holthuisi) also lives amongst Cassiopeia's tentacles. It removes the parasites and other debris from the jellyfish, apparently in exchange for shelter.
Contributors
Jennifer Scherwin (author), University of Michigan.
