Moon Jellyfish
Aurelia aurita
Also known as: Moon Jelly, Common Jellyfish
Moon Jellyfish are the most common jellyfish in the world and one of the few safe for aquariums. They have no brain, heart, or blood, yet have thrived for 500 million years.
Max Size
16 inches (40 cm) bell
Lifespan
12-18 months
Depth
0-200 meters
Water Type
saltwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Scyphozoa
- Order
- Semaeostomeae
- Family
- Ulmaridae
- Species
- Aurelia aurita
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Distribution
Behavior
Moon jellies drift with currents, pulsing their bells to stay near the surface. They trap prey in their mucus and transport it to their mouths with tiny hairs.
Reproduction
Complex lifecycle alternates between polyp (attached) and medusa (free-swimming) stages. A single polyp can produce many medusae through budding.
Aquarium Care Guide
Minimum Tank Size
20 gallons
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
55°F - 75°F
Diet
Carnivore - brine shrimp, plankton
Conservation Status
Main Threats
- None - populations are thriving
🎉 Fun Facts
- They are 95% water
- Jellyfish have no brain, heart, or blood
- They have survived 5 mass extinctions
- Climate change is causing jellyfish blooms
- Some species are immortal (can revert to juvenile stage)
