Jellyfish As Pets? Special Tank Allows People To Keep The Animals

Jellyfish-lovers, rejoice. There's no need to venture to an aquarium if you want to awe at the mystical creatures. Instead, the invertebrates can be kept right atop your desk, according to NBC Bay Area.

The filtration systems in traditional fish tanks cause jellyfish to get sucked in, but aquarium designer Alex Andon found a way to modify the water flow in smaller tanks so that the creatures can be kept afloat in the middle of their tanks, Gizmag reports.

According to NBC, scientists cracked this special water-flow system code for bigger aquariums years ago, but the Duke alumnus' alterations to non-commercial tanks will allow everyday people to keep jellyfish as pets.

Geek.com explains the circular water flow system featured in the Desktop Jellyfish Tank:

The Desktop Jellyfish Tank pulls water through a layer of rocks at the bottom of the tank. The water is then pulled up one side of the cylindrical tank to the surface. It then goes back down the other side and is sucked up once again by the rocks.

The tank and at-home kit are currently featured on Kickstarter in order to raise money for commercial production, Gizmodo reports. A $350 donation will snag you a spot on the waiting list. As of August 23, the company had received almost $85,000 in contributions.

Moon jellyfish, which are not harmful to humans, will be offered with the starter kit, according to Geek.com. The tank can fit about five of the creatures.

Not all people will be thrilled with these new tanks. Some may see this as putting jellyfish into a captive space for human enjoyment, and animal rights activists have often voiced their opposition to similar acts in the past.

This summer, San Francisco considered a goldfish ban to protect the animals from inhumane abuse. According to TIME, San Francisco Animal Control & Welfare Commission's Philip Gerrie said, "Most fish in aquariums are either mass bred under inhumane conditions or taken from the wild ... That leads to devastation of tropical fish from places like Southeast Asia."

Quick Poll

Would you keep a jellyfish as a pet?

Absolutely! They're fascinating to watch.

Maybe. As long as they don't sting me.

Probably not. They kind of creep me out.

Share your vote on Facebook so your friends can take this poll

Comments

[mbenay]

11:13 AM on 09/14/2011

Why do so many people feel the need to "own" wildlife? Let them be out in the wild.

[superducky951]

10:07 PM on 08/28/2011

As long as they stay small and glow in the dark. That would be cool. I do believe they are an animal that belongs in they wild. What do you have to feed them.

[TabaskoKat]

11:13 PM on 08/25/2011

the poll is stupid. I would have picked no, but it would have been for an entirely different reason
but i did want to say this

just because you can doesnt mean you ought to

[Chad Wheeler]

03:43 PM on 08/26/2011

Yes, I would have voted "probably not' but not because i think they are creepy. Far from it- I believe they are gorgeous, fascinating amazing animals.

[TabaskoKat]

04:44 PM on 08/27/2011

i can appreciate that, but i look at it from another angle. i like, no i love freedom. and i dont believe in taking a live beings freedom away. animal/orgamism ... whatever specific scientific name you want to give it, like us, it has three primal instincts. to feed/eat to survive and to procreate. you make two of the three possible, but are you willing to give up your freedom (and especially the ability to procreate) for a little security. if not, why should this animal.
your half-a-skip and a jump away from supporting slavery.
for your entertainment i suppose

those who would give up a little freedom for a little security deserve neither.....
BFranklin

I dont mean to chastise you, I just dont see any wiggle room when i say i support freedom, especially yours

[TabaskoKat]

11:15 AM on 08/28/2011

i couldnt reply directly. Im not sure, thats alot of speculation. Im guessing if my house cat didnt enjoy our company and our house. he wouldnt come back. Ive had roommates in the past thats cats have run away, or been eaten

[troyrobertdavid]

03:14 PM on 08/25/2011

This is not a new concept. I've had under gravel fiters before, and liked them, you get a much better flow and circulation.

[Max Shaw]

02:48 PM on 08/25/2011

Im so getting this!

[JScott]

10:53 PM on 08/24/2011

Spongebob wants one.

[Lefty Pockets]

04:55 PM on 08/24/2011

Jellyfish are about the most primitive animals on the planet. It's not cruelty to keep them in a tank.

[Info08]

01:24 PM on 08/24/2011

Just because someone designed a tank that could hold them doesn't mean that it's a good idea.

[karen lyons kalmenson]

10:59 AM on 08/24/2011

jellyfish like living
in watery cage
i think not
quote the jellyfish
tanks a lot:(

[we-r-stardust]

11:01 AM on 08/24/2011

Their`re always getting themselves into a Jam......;-)

[karen lyons kalmenson]

11:03 AM on 08/24/2011

and when they get older, they are well preserved

[rMatey]

09:14 AM on 08/24/2011

Warning Will Robinson. Warning Will Robinson. Do not pet your pet.

[caroline gray]

09:07 AM on 08/24/2011

I've wanted this my whole life!! When will we have the technology for squiddies!?

[karen lyons kalmenson]

11:00 AM on 08/24/2011

when, quien sabe...
where...squid row;-D

[bytesizecookie]

07:34 PM on 08/23/2011

I agree with llempart, they are wild beings. Let them be free instead of just another creature kept in captivity for our enjoyment..

[MCTSilverlakeCA]

07:26 PM on 08/23/2011

Jellyfish... we already have these...they're called Congressmen

[karen lyons kalmenson]

11:00 AM on 08/24/2011

and we are THEIR captives:(

[Helen Greenfeld]

05:02 PM on 08/23/2011

Next someone will put a leash on it and try to take it for a walk. We should leave nature where it belongs in the sea and the big outdoor and not mess with it too much.

[llempart]

04:38 PM on 08/23/2011

If you're really a jellyfish-lover you should let them stay where they belong, in the ocean. Not in a small tank in your home!