Flame Jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum)

Overview

Flame jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum) are a hardy species of jellyfish characterised by their long red feeding tentacles which can look like flames. The jellyfish start out almost transparent then develop a milky coloured bell and bright red tentacles as they age. The sting of this jellyfish is designed to catch small plantonic organisms and would not generally be noticeable to a human but some people can have a reaction to it and it can bring them out in a rash/welts. We recommend appropriate care is taken when handling all jellyfish species so that they do not come into contact with your skin.

These jellyfish are one of the species that are commonly dried and eaten in Asia.