Photo courtesy of National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Taipei, April 12 (CNA) The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in southern Taiwan has successfully bred the Pacific sea nettle, one of the largest jellyfish species bred at aquariums, and the creature is expected to become a popular attraction with museum visitors.

Pacific sea nettles, also called West Coast sea nettles, have a distinctive golden-brown bell with a reddish tint that can grow to 30 centimeters in diameter.

With four white long spiraling arms and 24 undulating maroon tentacles that can trail behind as far as 100 cm, the marine creature has been dubbed a top-notch dancer in the ocean, according to the aquarium in Checheng Township of Pingtung County.

(Photo courtesy of National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium)

Given the scientific name Chrysaora fuscescens, the jellyfish lives in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, and is commonly seen in waters off Japan, Siberia, Alaska and Mexico in the winter.

Compared with other jellyfish species, Pacific sea nettles are difficult to breed, according to the museum, adding that professional nursing and care are required.

The jellyfish is currently exhibited at the Ancient Ocean section of the museum's Waters of the World hall.

(By Kuo Chu-chen and Elizabeth Hsu)
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