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Moon Jelly by G. Edgar
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Moon Jellies washed onshore by D Ford
Moon Jelly
Aurelia aurita
Appearance
- Moon jellies 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 edge of the bell.
- Size: up to 40 cm (bell diameter)
What to Observe
Search area for 30 minutes and record under the following categories:
- 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
ClimateWatch Science Advisor
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.
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Search Species
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What Else?
The spotted jelly (Phyllorhiza punctate) is similar in size, shape and transparency to the moon jelly but can be distinguished by the presence of many small spots in its bell.
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Did You Know?
The moon jelly is a favourite food of marine turtles.