Moon Jelly

The moon jelly (or Aurelia aurita) is a widespread species of jellyfish found in coastal waters around the world, particularly in temperate and tropical seas. It typically inhabits the upper layers of the ocean, often near the surface in bays, harbours, and estuaries where plankton is abundant.

Moon jellies are easily recognised by their translucent, saucer-shaped bell, with four distinct horseshoe-shaped gonads visible through the bell. The colour of their gut varies depending on their diet, with pale pink, amber, blue and white hues possible. Their bodies are delicate and gelatinous, weighing only a few hundred grams despite their size. Short, fine tentacles fringe the bell’s edge.

The bell of the moon jelly can reach up to 25cm to 40cm in diameter.