Moon Jellyfish
(Aurelia aurita)
Facts
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IUCN NOT EVALUATED (NE)
Facts about this animal
The Moon jellyfish ranges in size from 5 cm to 40 cm across. It is easily recognizable by its four purple-blue interfolded gonads that form a horseshoe or near circle shape in the centre of the umbrella. It has short tentacles which generally do not produce a sting in most people. This species is carnivorous and feeds on plankton.
| Factsheet | |
|---|---|
| Class | SCYPHOZOA |
| Order | SEMAEOSTOMEAE |
| Family | ULMARIDAE |
| Name (Scientific) | Aurelia aurita |
| Name (English) | Moon Jellyfish |
| Name (French) | Méduse de lune, Méduse bleue, Méduse aurélie, Méduse commune |
| Name (German) | Ohrenqualle |
| Name (Spanish) | Medusa común, Medusa aurelia, Medusa luna |
| CITES Status | Not listed |
| CMS Status | Not listed |
Photo Copyright by
André Karwath
Distribution
| Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Range | Found near the coast, worldwide in temperate and tropical water. |
| Habitat | Pelagic, inshore and offshore |
| Wild population | Unknown, but this jellyfish is common and widespread throughout the oceans of the world and it may occur in huge numbers. |
| Zoo population | Unknown but it is the most commonly displayed medusa in public aquaria. |
In the Zoo
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How this animal should be transported
For air transport, Container Note 51 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.
Find this animal on ZooLex
Photo Copyright by
Yosemite
Why do zoos keep this animal
Zoos and aquariums keep Moon jellyfish for educational reasons as part of their efforts to familiarise visitors with invertebrate biodiversity. The translucient jellyfish floating lightweight in the water are very attractive for the public and may play a role as ambassadors for marine conservation.