The moon jellyfish is a gelatinous animal whose body consists of 90% water. It swims horizontally using pulsing movements of the saucer-shaped dome, which forms the top of its body. Although it has many tentacles, the four longest are the arms that encircle its mouth. The rhythmical contractions of the gelatinous bell and the movement of the tentacles allow it to capture small planktonic organisms.
In Japan, it is very important in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is also particularly admired by visitors to aquariums for its naturally calm and delicate movements.
Anemones, corals and jellyfish
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita - Ulmariidae)
- Support:
- © Oceanário de Lisboa 2008
