Moon Jellyfish
Graceful Gliders
Meet our mesmerizing November Animal of the Month: the Moon Jellyfish! We have around 24 of these gentle drifters gliding through their circular tank at Discovery World. Known for their graceful movements, Moon Jellyfish aren’t strong swimmers, so we’ve designed their tank to help them drift with ease. Without this gentle water flow, our Moon Jellies would be lounging at the bottom.
Special Facts
Unlike other jellyfish, a sting from a Moon Jellyfish only causes mild discomfort that fades quickly – perfect for their peaceful nature. These jellyfish use tiny tentacles to capture their favorite snacks, like plankton. Fun fact: Moon Jellyfish have no brain, blood, or heart and are 95% water, but they do have four stomachs to keep up with all that snacking!
And here’s something special: we’re raising our own Moon Jellyfish at Discovery World! These jellies go through two incredible stages. First, they free-float in the water, and later, they enter their “polyp” stage, where they attach to a surface and start growing. When they’re ready, they release tiny medusae (we call them “Squishies”) that eventually mature into adult jellyfish after about three months. Look closely when you visit – you might spot a baby medusa floating among the larger adults! And with 10 young Moon Jellies waiting behind the scenes, we’re ready to add even more to the exhibit soon.
Explore More…
Come discover these enchanting creatures up close at Discovery World! See if you can spot a Squishy or two – we can’t wait to share their magic with you!
