The moon jellyfish is generally translucent, but its color can vary and take on a slightly bluish or pinkish hue depending on its age and diet.
Range
The moon jellyfish is a common species found in temperate and tropical coastal waters of seas and oceans around the world. It is particularly found in the coastal waters of Northern Europe, the Caribbean sea, and the Red sea.
Habitat
Like all jellyfish, the moon jellyfish drifts with the currents and can be found along coastlines.
Diet
The moon jellyfish primarily feeds on small planktonic organisms and fish larvae, which it captures with its tentacles as it drifts with the currents.
The moon jellyfish has different forms of reproduction that include various developmental stages, such as larval planktonic forms and polyps, before taking its adult jellyfish form.
It can reproduce sexually by releasing male gametes into the seawater, which then fertilize the gametes still held by the female jellyfish. The fertilized eggs remain attached under the bell of the female jellyfish and develop into planktonic larvae.
Did you know ?
The moon jellyfish is capable of producing a faint bioluminescent glow in the dark. This bioluminescence is due to the presence of specific proteins in its jelly, allowing it to attract prey or defend itself against predators.
The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Due to climate change, jellyfish blooms, which are proliferations of jellyfish, occur regularly in certain regions of the world, and the moon jellyfish is one of the species responsible for these blooms, particularly in Northern Europe, where it is widespread.
The plumose sea anemone is a key species in temperate and cold marine ecosystems. Its high adaptability, morphological diversity and reproductive strategies make it a crucial organism for understanding biological and ecological interactions in marine environments.
Saturday, March 22nd 2025
World Water Day 2025 | Save the glaciers
Glaciers are essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy, and ecosystem preservation. However, their rapid melting threatens these vital resources, making it urgent to reduce carbon emissions and implement local strategies to protect these precious water reservoirs.
Friday, March 14th 2025
The narwhal
The narwhal is an Arctic cetacean well-known for its long, spiral tusk, which gives it a unique appearance. This cetacean is primarily found in the cold waters of the Arctic, where it lives in groups and is known for its seasonal migratory behaviors. The narwhal is of scientific interest due to its social behavior, biology and the mysteries surrounding the use of its tusk.
Photo of the Day
Lamantin de Floride (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
