Moon Jellyfish
Scientific Name: Aurelia aurita
Category: other
Brief Description
A translucent, saucer-shaped jellyfish easily identified by the four horseshoe-shaped reproductive organs visible through the top of its bell.
Characteristics
Translucent white bell, 25-40 cm in diameter, featuring four purple or white horseshoe-shaped gonads. It has short, fringing tentacles and four thick oral arms for moving food to the mouth.
Habitat
Coastal waters, estuaries, and bays; they prefer temperate and tropical waters.
When to Find It
Found year-round but often bloom in large numbers during the summer months when water temperatures rise.
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated (Common)
Ecological Role
A major food source for sea turtles (especially Leatherbacks) and large fish; they also control plankton populations through predation.
Easily Confused With
Other Aurelia species; they are distinguished from more dangerous jellies by their lack of long, trailing stinging tentacles and the distinct four-leaf clover pattern on their bell.
Observation Tips
Often seen in large groups called 'smacks'. In aquariums, they are frequently illuminated with color-changing LEDs (as seen here) to highlight their translucent bodies.
Interesting Facts
Moon jellies have limited swimming ability and mostly drift with ocean currents. Their sting is generally too weak to penetrate human skin, though it may cause a minor rash.