The Cassiopea Global Phylogeny Project

Collaborators

Project details

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👋 Welcome!

The Cassiopea Global Phylogeny (CGP) Project is an international, collaborative effort led by researchers working across ecology, evolution, genomics, taxonomy, and symbiosis biology. The project brings together specialists who share a common goal: to build an alpha-taxonomic and phylogenomic framework for the upside-down jellyfish genus Cassiopea. We are committed to transparent, reproducible, and inclusive science.

Cassiopea illustrations by Carly Lo, courtesy of artist 2026 (ig: thejellygal)

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Project Updates

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WE ARE REQUESTING CASSIOPEA SAMPLES FOR SEQUENCING FROM JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2026 TO GET THEM SEQUENCED IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 2026!

All genomic and morphological data generated through this project will be made publicly available, and all physical voucher specimens will be permanently archived in accredited museum collections. Contributions of specimens, data, and expertise are formally acknowledged through co-authorship or contributor recognition, following community standards and open collaboration principles. Together, we aim to create a shared reference framework that supports research across disciplines, strengthens global collaboration, and provides a lasting foundation for future work on Cassiopea and other emerging marine model systems. **

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What are we requesting?

• Cassiopea tissue for DNA extraction (ethanol or RNA/DNA Shield preserved) with associated metadata documented (location, date, habitat, collector, photos)
• Whole-animal or partial morphological vouchers (ethanol or formalin preserved) with associated metadata documented (location, date, habitat, collector, photos)

Why contribute?

Contributed specimens directly support a global phylogenomic and taxonomic framework for Cassiopea. Contributors are acknowledged through co-authorship or formal contributor recognition, following community standards.

What happens to your samples?

• DNA extractions for low-coverage whole genome sequencing conducted at UCSC Macias-Muñoz Lab
• Morphological vouchers sent to jellyfish taxonomists and archived at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History at the end of project
• Genomic data deposited in public repositories (NCBI, BOLD)

SAMPLE REQUEST GUIDELINES

Guideline for Cassiopea Tissue Collection (for DNA extraction and morphological voucher)

Guidelines for Shipping Samples

GLOBAL CASSIOPEA DISTRIBUTION. ©Myles Wagner ****Help us fill gaps by contributing samples from undersampled regions!

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Project Timeline

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