Species Type:
Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
Moon jellyfish
Size:
Moon jellies can grow up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in diameter.
Diet:
Moon jellyfish eat zooplankton and the larvae, or eggs of mollusk species.
Range & Habitat:
In the coastal waters of the north Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, and Caribbean Sea, moon jellies inhabit estuaries, bays and other inshore environments.
Details:
These jellyfish are almost completely translucent. Their reproductive organs form a distinctive, flower-like pattern on the top of their bell, with females typically displaying pink hues and males appearing white. They also have four oral arms used for feeding. Unlike strong swimmers, moon jellies drift with ocean currents rather than actively migrating on their own.