Species · GBIF taxon 8071247
Flower Hat Jelly
Olindias formosusAlso known as Flower Hat Jellyfish
Flower hat jellies drift like ornate, translucent lanterns through the coastal waters of the northwestern Pacific. By day, these striking hydrozoans anchor themselves to rocks and algae on the seafloor, but at night they ascend to hunt small fish with their brilliant, multicolored tentacles. Their highly distinctive bell features pinstripes and a crown of fluorescent pink and green tips that lure prey.
BioluminescentNocturnalMarine
- diet
- Small fish, marine invertebrates, and zooplankton
- family
- Olindiidae
- threats
- Coastal development, marine pollution, and climate change
- life Span
- 4 to 6 months
NE
Possesses a painful sting; avoid touching tentacles and observe from a safe distance.
Sting delivers a painful neurotoxin that causes severe burning, skin rash, and localized swelling.
Never touch live or dead specimens; seek immediate medical attention if stung.- Night diving: Look for them rising from the seafloor into the water column after sunset.
- Keep distance: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid drifting into their trailing tentacles.
- Look for fluorescence: Use a blue light or UV torch to see their vibrant pink and green tips glow.