Species · GBIF taxon 2264442
Moon Jelly
Aurelia auritaAlso known as Common Jellyfish, Saucer Jelly, Moon Jellyfish
Moon jellies drift gracefully through coastal waters, propelled by the gentle, rhythmic pulsing of their translucent, saucer-shaped bells. Easily recognized by the four horseshoe-shaped reproductive organs visible through their clear bodies, these elegant drifters trap tiny plankton using a fringe of fine, short tentacles. They play a vital role in marine food webs, serving as a primary food source for sea turtles and giant ocean sunfish.
PlanktonicTranslucentMarine
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- diet
- Plankton, copepods, larval fish, and small crustaceans
- family
- Ulmaridae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, marine pollution, and coastal development
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance; their mild sting is generally imperceptible to human skin.
- Look for the Clover: Identify them by the four horseshoe-shaped reproductive organs visible through the top of the translucent bell.
- Observe the Drift: Watch them pulse gently near the surface of harbors and bays, especially during late summer blooms.