Moon Jellyfish

jellyfish · ocean · animals

Named for its shape. The moon jellyfish got its name because of its round, flat body that looks like the moon when you see it from above or below in the water.

One became many. Scientists used to think all moon jellyfish around the world were the same species, but in the 2020s they discovered there are actually at least 28 different species that look almost identical.

Drifts with currents. Moon jellyfish don't swim on purpose, they just float and drift along with ocean currents wherever the water takes them.

See-through bodies. You can actually see through a moon jellyfish's body because it's made mostly of water, making it nearly invisible in the ocean.

Harmless to humans. Unlike some jellyfish that can sting, the moon jellyfish is completely safe for people to encounter in the water.