Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium Event

Sea Jellies in Aquariums: The Next Frontier

Nate Jaros

Join us for a lecture by Aquarium of the Pacific Senior Aquarist Nate Jaros, who specialized in sea jellies.

Historically, keeping and observing sea jellies has proven to be extremely difficult. Only through the captive husbandry of these animals can we fully understand their life cycle, correctly classify them, and understand this unique animal group. Because wild collected specimens are not always available and do not easily adapt to captive life, the science of culturing these fascinating creatures has evolved.

Today there are many species commonly cultured for public aquariums. With better understanding of their natural ranges and diets, captive-reared specimens are growing larger, living longer, and better representing their wild counterparts. In fact, even hobbyists are beginning to maintain jellies. Are “jellyfish” making a move into pop culture? With recent television and film appearances, home sea jelly tanks may be the next frontier for advanced marine hobbyists.

Jaros received his Bachelors Degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2002 he began working as an aquarist at the Henry Doorly Zoo also located in Omaha. While at the zoo, he worked with a variety of animals, from penguins to sharks, but found his specialty in the area of jelly culture. He ran a very successful moon jelly culture and supplied exhibit animals to many aquariums throughout the country.

In 2005 Jaros accepted a position at the Aquarium of the Pacific. He began his work in the Tropical Pacific Gallery culturing seahorses and working with sea dragons. In 2006, thanks to his efforts, the Aquarium shared over 600 cultured lined seahorses, Hippocampus erectus, to other aquariums throughout the country and abroad.

Despite a great interest in seahorse culture, when an opportunity arose to move into the jelly culture lab, Jaros jumped at the opportunity. For over two years now he has successfully filled the Aquarium’s exhibits with cultured jellies and has sent many jellies to other aquariums. The Aquarium currently cultures nine species of jellies. Jaros has also shared many of his ideas speaking at the Regional Aquatics Workshop in 2007 and 2009. He participated in the first Jellyfish Symposium in 2009.

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© Andrew Reitsma

Moon jellies, cultured here at the Aquarium.