Size
Up to 40 cm (bell diameter).
Field Guide
Improve your identification skills. Download your Moon Jelly guide here!
Moon Jelly
They have a transparent mushroom-shaped bell. Its reproductive organs form a conspicuous clover-like shape when viewed from above. Numerous fine thread-like tentacles hang from beneath the edge of the bell.
The moon jelly is a favourite food of marine turtles.
What to Observe
Search area for 30 minutes and record the following:
-
Abundant: found easily with little searching
-
Frequent: found with minimal searching
-
Rare: only 1 or 2 individuals found with intensive searching
-
Not found: not present during search
Climate Adaptations
Changing ocean currents and productivity, as a result of climate change, may lead to an increase in jelly fish abundance (which may result in detrimental impacts on fishing and coastal industries). In other locations, a change in conditions may result in a reduction of jelly fish numbers.
When and Where
When To Look
- Throughout the year
Where To Look
- Found throughout most of the world's oceans
- In estuaries and harbours
What Else?
Similar Species
The Spotted Jelly (Phyllorhiza punctate) is similar in size, shape and transparency but can be distinguished by the presence of many small spots in its bell.
