Chad Widmer, an aquarist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, just released a brand spanking new book on jellyfish aquarium maintenance. I volunteered under Chad (with their penguin exhibit) many years ago and shadowed him as took care of the Aquarium’s jelly collection (doubtfully he remembers me with all the other volunteers). He literally had rows and rows of jellys, from the sea nettle, Chrysaora quinquecirrha to the flower hat jelly, Olindias formosa, and many others.
At $25.95 (212 pages), I’m sure this book is going to be worth every penny! Chad knows his stuff and has many years experience with taking care of a world-class aquarium’s jelly collection. Here is a description from the website where you can pre-order the book and read an excerpt:
“Many people want to learn how to keep and grow jellyfish in aquariums, but don’t know where to start. Though the scientific literature contains clues, the language can be cryptic for the uninitiated, and the references can be tricky to track down without access to a well-stocked university library.
In this first-of-its-kind guide, Chad L. Widmer presents in plain language some proven methods for jellyfish husbandry. With some study, attention to detail, and a little pioneer spirit, you’ll soon be enjoying your own jellies, along with your newfound jelly-keeping skills.”
C. quinquecirrha is an easy keeper. I did it years ago on the east coast. Feed them blender clam with blended sea lettuce, keep the aerator from putting bubbles under their bell and use a round aquarium to prevent them from getting stuck in corners. that’s about it.