Aurelia
Aurelia is a genus of scyphozoan jellyfish, commonly known as moon jellyfish. It is found in coastal waters worldwide, often in large blooms. They are characterized by their translucent, saucer-shaped bell, typically 10–40 cm in diameter, and four horseshoe-shaped gonads visible through the bell. Aurelia species lack tentacles around the bell margin but possess numerous, short tentacles around the mouth. These tentacles have stinging cells called nematocysts that help them capture prey.
Common Names
The most common name for species in the genus Aurelia is moon jellyfish, but they are also known as common jellyfish, saucer jellyfish, and moon jelly. The specific name "aurita" refers to the ear-like appendages on the bell margin.
Characteristics
Aurelia species exhibit the following characteristics:
- Translucent, saucer-shaped bell, typically 10–40 cm in diameter
- Four horseshoe-shaped gonads visible through the bell
- Lack of tentacles around the bell margin
- Numerous, short tentacles around the mouth containing nematocysts
- Simple nervous system with radial symmetry
- Reproduction by both sexual and asexual means
Environment
Aurelia species are found in coastal waters worldwide, typically in temperate and tropical regions. They prefer brackish water, estuaries, and bays, but can also tolerate open ocean environments. They are often found in large blooms, particularly during warmer months.