You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Animals in the Oh Baby! Exhibit

Spotted lagoon sea jelly

Mastigias papua

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Come visit me at Mote!

Support Mote Animals

Fun Facts

These jellies can sense light, smell and touch through their triangular tentacles.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Spotted lagoon sea jelly

Size:

Spotted lagoon sea jellies can grow up to 3.15 inches (8 centimeters) long.

Diet:

These jellies eat zooplankton, small invertebrates and microbes using their arms. They also have special algae in their tissues, called zooxanthellae, that help them convert the sun's rays into food/energy.

Range & Habitat:

Throughout the Indian Ocean and Indo-west Pacific region, spotted lagoon sea jellies can be found free-floating in the more shallow, well lit areas of the ocean. At night, they sink to lower levels of their habitat.

Details:

Spotted lagoon sea jellies can vary in color from greenish-blue to yellow and brown depending on their environment. They have translucent, spotted bells (heads), eight long arms and a mouth on their underside.