# Flaming Jellies (DD-308)

> 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.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2024-08-25
- Last updated: 2024-08-25
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/flaming-jellies/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-308-F01**: Its scientific name is Rhopilema esculentum. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Species))_
- **DD-308-F02**: It lives off China, Korea and Japan. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Range))_

## Write-up

The flame jellyfish is named for its fiery reddish-brown color. It is also one of the jellyfish people eat.

1. **Species**: Its scientific name is Rhopilema esculentum.
2. **Range**: It lives off China, Korea and Japan.
3. **Color**: It has a reddish-brown tint.
4. **Stinging cells**: Tentacles carry stinging cells.
5. **Food**: It is eaten in East Asia.

## Related case files

- [Jellies (DD-143)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/jellies/): I linked more jellyfish
- [Freeloader Fish (DD-453)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/freeloader-fish/): I linked the jellyfish they live with

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel places it in tropical and subtropical Pacific waters; it lives mainly in the coastal seas of East Asia.
- **Note**: The Reel says it has bioluminescent spots; I could not confirm that.

## Video: Flaming Jellies: The Flame Jellyfish Is Named for Its Fiery Reddish-Brown Color

- Duration: 28.1 s · Published: 2024-08-25
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C_GvtspJdiK.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What is its scientific name?**  
A: 'Esculentum' means edible. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Species) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum)_

**Q: Where does it live?**  
A: Coastal waters. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Range) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum)_

**Q: What color is it?**  
A: Like flames. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Color) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum)_

**Q: How does it catch food?**  
A: On tentacles. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stinging cells) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum)_

**Q: Is it eaten?**  
A: A delicacy. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Food) · Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Rhopilema esculentum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/