Moon Jellies Aurelia aurita

This species is names for its translucent, moonlike bell. The moon jelly has short tentacles that sweep food toward the mucous layer on the edge of the bell.

Diet:
Jellies eat small organisms called zooplankton.
Habitat:
Close to shore in coastal marine habitats.

Create Connections. Inspire Action. Impact Conservation.

Moon jellies are an important prey species for animals like sea turtles and ocean sunfish. Because moon jellies’ clear bodies look similar to plastic bags, their predators sometimes wind up with plastic in their stomachs. Riverbanks has eliminated single use plastic bags on our campus to reduce the risk to wildlife.

Visit the moon jellies in the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center.