Species · GBIF taxon 2264506
Blue Blubber Jellyfish
Catostylus mosaicusAlso known as Jelly Blubber, Blue Blubber, Mosaic Jellyfish
Blue blubber jellyfish drift through coastal estuaries and shallow bays in massive, spectacular swarms, pulsing their dome-shaped bells in a distinctive staccato rhythm. Lacking a central mouth, they use tiny openings on their eight highly branched, cauliflower-like oral arms to capture microscopic plankton. Their coloration varies dramatically from creamy white to deep blue or purple, a hue influenced by symbiotic algae living within their tissues.
MarinePlanktonicStinging
Licensed referenceVia Fernandez / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Plankton, small crustaceans, and organic particles
- family
- Catostylidae
- threats
- Coastal development, water pollution, and marine debris
- life Span
- Up to 1 year
NE
Delivers a mild sting that can cause minor skin irritation; avoid direct contact with tentacles.
Possesses stinging cells called nematocysts on its oral arms that deliver a mild, irritating venom.
Do not touch live or washed-up specimens; if stung, rinse the area with seawater and apply a warm compress.- Observe from above: Watch their rapid, staccato pulsing behavior from a pier or boat during summer blooms.
- Keep your distance: Avoid swimming directly through dense swarms to prevent accidental stings.
- Look for hitchhikers: Search closely around the bell for small juvenile fish seeking shelter among the arms.