Flaming Jellies
Short answer: The flame jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum) is a large jellyfish of coastal waters off China, Korea and Japan. Its bell is translucent with a reddish-brown tint, and it trails tentacles armed with stinging cells to catch plankton.
It is not considered seriously dangerous to people and is harvested as food in East Asia. The footage shows flame jellyfish swimming.
What should you know about Flaming Jellies?
Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.
Its scientific name is Rhopilema esculentum.
It lives off China, Korea and Japan.
Video transcript: Flaming Jellies: The Flame Jellyfish Is Named for Its Fiery Reddish-Brown Color
Did you know, the flame jellyfish is a visually striking species found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean? Its bell is transparent, with a unique reddish-brown hue, and is dotted with bioluminescent spots that resemble glowing flames. This jellyfish has long, delicate tentacles that trail behind it and are equipped with stinging cells for capturing prey. Unlike many other jellyfish, flame jellyfish are not considered dangerous to humans. Their distinctive appearance and bioluminescence make them a fascinating subject of study in marine biology. NOW YOU KNOW!
Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 28.1s Reel ·
The write-up
The flame jellyfish is named for its fiery reddish-brown color. It is also one of the jellyfish people eat.
- Exhibit A
Species
Its scientific name is Rhopilema esculentum.
- Exhibit B
Range
It lives off China, Korea and Japan.
- Exhibit C
Color
It has a reddish-brown tint.
- Exhibit D
Stinging cells
Tentacles carry stinging cells.
- Exhibit E
Food
It is eaten in East Asia.
Questions people ask about Flaming Jellies
What is its scientific name?
'Esculentum' means edible.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Species) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Where does it live?
Coastal waters.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Range) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
What color is it?
Like flames.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Color) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
How does it catch food?
On tentacles.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stinging cells) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Is it eaten?
A delicacy.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Food) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Test Your Knowledge
All quizzes →5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.
What is its scientific name?
- Rhopilema esculentum
- Aurelia aurita
- Physalia physalis
- Chironex fleckeri
Show the answer
Answer: A. Rhopilema esculentum 'Esculentum' means edible. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Species) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Where does it live?
- Off China, Korea and Japan
- Arctic
- Red Sea
- Lakes
Show the answer
Answer: A. Off China, Korea and Japan Coastal waters. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Range) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
What color is it?
- Reddish-brown
- Bright green
- Pure white
- Blue
Show the answer
Answer: A. Reddish-brown Like flames. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Color) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
How does it catch food?
- Stinging cells
- Teeth
- Nets
- Suction
Show the answer
Answer: A. Stinging cells On tentacles. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stinging cells) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Is it eaten?
- Yes, in East Asia
- Never
- Only by whales
- Only raw
Show the answer
Answer: A. Yes, in East Asia A delicacy. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Food) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum
Cite this case file
Easterling, Marcus. "Flaming Jellies." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-308, last updated Aug 25, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/flaming-jellies/
Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/flaming-jellies/ · Last updated
Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-308-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/flaming-jellies/#DD-308-F01

