First record of upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forskål, 1775) (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae: Cassiopeidae) from Sri Lanka

Abstract

The circumtropical upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda is native to the Indian region, but no scientific documentations are confirming its presence in Sri Lankan waters. Hence in this paper, the occurrence of C. andromeda in Sri Lankan waters is reported for the first time. Species identification was based on several specimens collected from shallow waters of north and east coasts of the country in 2017. The C. andromeda found from Sri Lanka is a mild stinger and so far there are no reports on severe health issues cause to fishers and tourists. Also, this species was identified as a potential ornamental species due to its gorgeous appearance with very high colour variation.