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Moon Jelly

Scientific Name

Aurelia aurita

Distribution & Habitat

The moon jelly is present in lower Chesapeake Bay during the summer months.

A distinguishing feature of the moon jelly Aurelia aurita is its clover-shaped gonads. © Hans Hillewaert

Sting

The sting is very mild or unnoticed.

Size & Shape

The disc-shaped bell can grow to the size of a dinner plate. The tentacles are fine and make a short fringe that is not much longer than the bell is thick. The central gonads (in the shape of a 4-leafed clover) are prominent. 

Color

Both the swimming bell and tentacles are clear to whitish.

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