common moon jelly

The common moon jelly can reach up to 50 cm in diameter. The overall shape of this jellyfish resembles a moderately flattened parasol. The numerous peripheral tentacles are thin and short. Four arms originate from the center of the oral side (lower side), around the mouth, with four reproductive organs (gonads) situated in a quincunx pattern from these arms, shaped like a horseshoe.

This jellyfish is typically translucent, with slightly pink or bluish-purple reflections. The reproductive organs are more distinctly colored in red or pink. The gonads are clearly visible in males and display hues ranging from red to bright pink.

The common moon jelly exhibits limited social behavior, being primarily driven by environmental stimuli, especially the presence of food. It is a poor swimmer, which is why it is often found stranded along shorelines.

This species feeds on tiny organisms such as tintinnids, rotifers, cladocerans, as well as copepod larvae, barnacles, and fish. It captures its prey with the sticky texture of its small peripheral tentacles. This species is highly coveted by predators due to its high content of essential fatty acids and macronutrients.

The common moon jelly undergoes both sexual and asexual reproduction.

It is a viviparous organism. The sexes are distinct, and fertilization is internal. The eggs develop within the female. In the planula larval stage, the individual is released into the water column and becomes part of the plankton. This swimming larva will settle on the substrate with its aboral side. The oral side faces the surface.

Once attached, the larva matures into a small polyp that will grow and multiply, forming a colony of polyps. These polyps will bud and give rise to numerous young jellyfish, also known as ephyrae. These ephyrae will develop in open water to become adults.