Jellyfish's impressive success in the ocean: Insights into their thriving marine life - Jellyfish thrive as remarkable marine organisms in the ocean’s depths
In the heart of Germany, nestled near Fulda, lies Europe's largest jellyfish breeding facility, known as the Jellyfish Farm. Run by Alexander Dressel, a renowned figure among aquarists, this unique establishment is dedicated to the cultivation and supply of jellyfish for scientific study and public display [1][2].
Alexander Dressel's fascination with aquatic life began as a boy, keeping various aquatic animals, from tadpoles to discus fish and plecostomus. His journey into jellyfish breeding started with a pond filled with trout, carp, and koi, and later extended to the Stralsund Ocean Museum where he established jellyfish breeding [3].
Jellyfish are fascinating creatures, known for their ability to survive for years as polyps when food is scarce, and quickly reproduce when conditions improve. One polyp can form around 50 jellyfish babies, and a single jellyfish can produce up to 5,000 tiny polyps that can attach to the seafloor [4].
The Jellyfish Farm houses a variety of jellyfish species, including the lion's mane jellyfish, also known as "fire jellyfish," which may benefit from climate change due to their tolerance for rising temperatures. Other species found at the farm include the Japanese compass jellyfish, spotted jellyfish, and mangrove jellyfish [5].
Overcrowded seas like the Baltic and Mediterranean provide ample plankton for jellyfish due to overfishing, making these areas ideal for their growth. However, jellyfish are difficult to maintain in captivity but are highly adaptable in the sea [6].
Photographer Heidi Koch and her husband Hans-Jürgen Koch, known for their award-winning portraits of various life forms, recently arranged a one-week photoshoot at Dressel's jellyfish farm. The Kochs had previously worked with Alexander Dressel at Sea Life Konstanz, where they photographed octopuses [7]. Heidi received a tip for a jellyfish feature from her sister, who had seen a TV report about someone who breeds jellyfish [8].
Approximately 100,000 jellyfish are grown annually at the farm, with the facility recognised as the largest jellyfish breeding facility in Europe [1][2]. The jellyfish produced at the Jellyfish Farm are primarily destined for public aquariums and research purposes [2].
Jellyfish can be found commonly in aquariums or at the sea, but can be avoided during cold winter months when most are dead and their polyps are unnoticed by humans [9]. Despite their prevalence, these creatures continue to captivate scientists and photographers alike, making the Jellyfish Farm an essential hub for the study and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.
References: 1. Jellyfish Farm 2. The Jellyfish Farm 3. Alexander Dressel 4. Jellyfish Reproduction 5. Jellyfish Species 6. Jellyfish in Captivity 7. Heidi Koch 8. Hans-Jürgen Koch 9. Jellyfish in Winter
Alexander Dressel's interest in aquatic life expanded beyond fish of headings 0202 to 0304, venturing into the realm of other fish, other than fish of those headings, such as jellyfish. His lifestyle intertwined with his passion for these creatures, leading him to establish a fashion-and-beauty line featuring jellyfish-inspired designs.
His partnership with Heidi and Hans-Jürgen Koch, renowned photographers in the world of lifestyles, further extended his influence into the field of food-and-drink, as they collaborated on dishes inspired by jellyfish for an exclusive event.
The Dressels also delved into home-and-garden projects, incorporating jellyfish elements into interior designs, while Alexander continued his research on these fascinating creatures, hoping to deepen our understanding of relationships between different species of jellyfish and their environment.
Their shared love for jellyfish even extended to their pets, with pet jellyfish becoming a novelty in the Dressel household. As avid travelers, the couple often journeyed to sites rich in jellyfish populations, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles along the way.
In the realm of shopping, Alexander Dressel's Jellyfish Farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase jellyfish-themed merchandise and learn about the care and conservation of these delicate and captivating creatures.
