Identity card
LATIN NAME: Aurelia aurita
FAMILY: Ulmaridae / Aureliinae
PHYLUM: Cnidaria
This jellyfish lives all the oceans of the world. It is a plankton and at the bottom of the food chain.
The moon jellyfish often moves about on the surface of the water, carried by the currents out at sea or in coastal waters. It is therefore sometimes to be seen in ports. Summer temperatures favour the development of the larvae.
Its diet mainly comprises herring larvae and small crustaceans. It can also eat other jellyfish and even its own larvae. To ensure it can grow and breed, a jellyfish has to consume several times its body weight in food every day.
When fully extended, its umbrella measures 40 cm in diameter.