Keeping Jellyfish as Pets – Important Tips

Jellyfish are currently among the most popular unusual pets owners get, even though they are gelatinous and most of the time invisible. So if you want to get into the ped owners that keep jellyfish, read this post to get some ideas about what it would entail raising these creatures.

Let’s first start with an interesting piece of information:

Considering that jellyfish are not vertebrates, they can’t really be called fish either.

So what should we call them? Well, I like to call them simply jellies.

Jellies are part of the life of this planet inhabiting the oceans and seas for over 500 million years. Up until recent times, there wasn’t a lot known about these creatures aside from the fact that some of them had stings that could end the life of a human-sized creature. It took a while for people to understand that not all jellyfish species are harmful to us. A lot of fish life enthusiasts have started to be interested in these tiny creatures and they slowly started to populate aquariums all around the world.

You might also like my articles on mystery snails, crayfish, or octopuses.

Don’t get a jellyfish if you’re interested in either a playful creature like a cat or a highly energetic one as a dog, because they are neither. You shouldn’t expect them to be freakish as tarantulas or creepy as iguanas either. Jellyfish have their own unique way of becoming interesting for pet owners. Below you will find some information about what it’s like to jeep jellies as pets in your home.

Why Would You Keep Jellyfish as Pets?

Most people are amazed by the gorgeous floating of these creatures, almost dreamlike in their tanks. But you shouldn’t expect to have an affectionate pet you can hug or jog with, or do any other conventional pet activities with for that matter because jellies are nothing like that. All you get from these creatures is the exotic vibe and the amazing view. They will add some light to the room just like lava lamps, although their movements will make be a lot more than a decorative item.

How should you house jellyfish?

You should know that the tank of a jellyfish is nothing like a normal fish tank and should be more like a display aquarium. These tanks are built especially for jellies and will have rounded corners to prevent them from getting stuck. In order for these creatures to stay afloat, the water inside the tank will have to have a consistent flow that would mimic the currents of natural waters. If the tank doesn’t have moving water, the jellyfish will find it impossible to swim and will just end up at the bottom of the tank. Most of these aquariums will also come with LED lights on their inside, which would make these transparent creatures gain some color.

Is Keeping Jellies Expensive?

Most things considered exotic will have a serious price tag. This means that you shouldn’t expect to get a handful of jellies at your local pet store for pennies. You will find them inside dedicated homes and you should also consider getting an aquarium specifically made from them right from the start. If you don’t have any luck around your area, you can always shop online for jellyfish, their tank, and other necessary accessories. You will be able to get a tank for an average price of around $300, although its price will differ depending on its size and features. You will usually spend around $50 per jelly, although the price will vary depending on their species. You will also have to read up on general housing necessities, some things, like freshwater, can end the life of these creatures. You will also have to keep a constant pH level in the tank.

What Will Jellies Eat?

While in the wild, the average jellyfish will eat a combination of other jellyfish, small fish, fish eggs, crustaceans, and plankton. When in an aquarium, feeding them won’t be as simple as just giving them fish food. You should give them brine shrimp instead. As for the quantity, this will of course be determined by how many jellyfish you have in the tank. To find out exactly how much food to throw in the tank, talk with the pet supplier.

Is Keeping Jellyfish Cumbersome?

Well, the answer is a combination of yes and no. The jellyfish will require some amount of effort to own, especially for an invertebrate pet that has basically no weight to it. You will always keep track of the exact food you give them and its amount. You will also have to change the water in the aquarium regularly and it will always have to be saltwater. Their existence will also be dependent on the ammonia levels and the nitrogen cycle in the tank. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into before actually getting this unconventional but very different pet.

What is Their Expected Lifespan?

The moon jellyfish is the most popular one kept as a pet from all of the jelly species. As long as they are taken care of properly and they get all of their needs met, they might live anywhere between a few months and a couple of years. Another thing to consider is the fact that jellyfish are really delicate, and due to their anatomy and size, they can get hurt and even worse very easily.

The great part about jellyfish is that they won’t need to be taken on long walks, won’t poop the carpet, won’t scratch things or bark all night. They will add a pinch of class to your home and are very beautiful, without requiring a lot of work. My advice is to go for it if you think you will like owning a pet jellyfish, but make sure you read about what it means to keep such a pet before getting one.