To mark World Jellyfish Day today on Thursday, SEA LIFE London is debuting its brand-new species, the Barrel jellyfish, becoming the only aquarium in the UK to have bred the species from polyps in its specialist breeding laboratory. Known as the giants of the jellyfish world, these are the UK’s largest jellyfish, growing up to one metre wide in the wild with eight thick ‘arms’ on which tiny tentacles are arranged, giving them a bulky, frilly appearance.
We only see adults of this harmless jellyfish in UK waters in the spring and summer. It’s the first time the massive mushroom-shaped species will go on display at SEA LIFE London Aquarium where, in a UK first, the expert team of aquarists have raised these creatures from juveniles.
Jack Willans, Senior Aquarist and Lead Jellyologist at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, said: “It’s pretty special to be the only aquarium in the UK to have reared Barrel jellyfish and put them on display. It’s the perfect way to celebrate World Jellyfish Day.
