Click on any image to open the slideshow
Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758)
Moon Jellyfish
Saucer Jelly
Common Sea Jelly
Florida native
Moon jellies are found mainly in estuaries and harbors and often washed up on beaches in all of coastal Florida. Ranging throughout much of the world, these jellies tolerate relatively low percentages of saline and appear to thrive in low oxygen environments.
The adults are typically 25-40cm (10 to 16 in.) in diameter with a transparent body or medusa with four bright gonads visible inside. The bottom rim of the medusa is lined with short tentacles that can sting prey, but are usually too mild for humans to be harmed or even noticed. The lifespan in the wild is only months, with most expiring in the warmer waters during late summer.
Aurelia aurita is a member of the Ulmaridae - Ulmarid Jellies family.
iNaturalist profile for this species
For more information on this species, visit the following link:
MarineBio page for this species
Date record last modified: Nov 09, 2025
