Jellyfish handler

The Jellyfish aquariological reserve at Nausicaá is a breeding and reproduction centre. In fact, the aquariological team has developed expertise in breeding jellyfish to satisfy the needs of aquariums.

The Pacific sea nettles originating from California, grow in the reserve and join the exhibition tank once they have reached the required size. Unlike the other jellyfish, these ones are particularly voracious; they feed several times a day on fish eggs, bits of fish and shrimp.

It takes great care not to harm jellyfish when they are transferred to the tank: they are caught in a jug and then poured one by one into the transport bucket. Once in the aquarium’s technical area, the handler pours a small amount of tank water into the bucket – the jellyfish need to acclimatise to the temperature and salinity of their new home. They are then transferred into the tank.

Now it’s your turn to admire the ballet of jellyfish!

Jellyfish reproduction is a complex process: with some species, male and female jellyfish release sexual cells into the open sea, which can meet by chance. Fertilisation then occurs and an egg forms before becoming a jellyfish.

However, in other species, the egg hatches into a small larva that is carried away by the currents before settling on the seabed. The larva transforms into what is known as a polyp, which then sprouts and releases tiny jellyfish into the water.

They will reproduce in turn once they are adults. The cycle has come full circle!

Jellyfish are part of the plankton family and are an essential part of the food chain. They are part of the cnidarian group, which also includes coral and sea anemones.

Their larger prevalence in the oceans is an indicator of climate change and rising ocean temperatures, but it is also a consequence of the overfishing of some of their predators.

These are just some of the reasons to talk about jellyfish at Nausicaá, in addition to the fact that they are a fascinating sight to behold.