FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The moon jellyfish has several names attached to it such as the common jellyfish, the moon jelly, and also the saucer jelly because of its shape, however, it is mostly known by its scientific name which is Aurelia aurita. This jellyfish is a translucent yet dangerous animal that is only 2 -15 in (5 - 38 cm) long. It is usually recognized by its 'bell' on the top of its body and it has long tentacles through which it feeds. It feeds on three main animals: medusae, plankton, and mollusks. These jellyfish are carnivores. They are usually found along the eastern Atlantic coast of Europe and the western Atlantic coast of North American. They are often seen along the coasts in Canada as well.
To learn more about moon jellies, keep reading these interesting facts. You can also find out all about jellyfish and the immortal jellyfish here on Kidadl!
The moon jellyfish is a type of jellyfish that lives in the ocean.
It is an animal that comes under the genus of Aurelia and the Scyphozoa class.
The exact number of moon jellyfish in the world is currently unknown.
The moon jellyfish lives in the ocean. They are found in a wide range of ocean habitats around the world.
A moon jellyfish habitat is found along the warm coastlines 0f several oceans such as the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. They usually swim on the surface but whey need to dive, they have the capability to dive up to 90 ft (27.4 m) deep or more.
Moon jellyfish usually choose to live alone. However, sometimes they do roam the oceans with in pack or group of other moon jellyfish. This pack or group of jellyfish is known as a 'bloom'.
The average moon jellyfish life cycle lasts for between eight to 12 months.
Moon jellyfish reproduce through external fertilization. This is when female eggs and male sperm are released in the water column and the sperm fertilize the eggs in the water. Once the eggs are fertilized, larvae hatch from them.
They are not an endangered species but due to certain marine imbalances, they are in some danger and there are some conservation efforts in place to protect the species. However, this threat is not significant, and so the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The moon jellyfish has lots of tentacles and is usually recognized by the 'bell' on the top of its head. It has long tentacles through which it feeds on animals and protects itself from predators.
Moon jellyfish are not necessarily cute. They look exquisite and beautiful but only from a distance!
The moon jellyfish uses smell and taste to communicate in different situations in the dark and in the light. Some species of jellyfish also use certain chemicals to communicate as well.
The moon jellyfish is 3 in (7.6 cm) tall, 2 -15 in (5 - 38 cm) long, and has a tiny weight that is almost negligible. Technically they weigh between 0.005- 0.07 lb (0.224 - 3.2 g).
The moon jellyfish is capable of swimming at a speed of 0.79 in per second (2 cm per second). However, when they need to catch their prey, they can swim faster!
The moon jelly fish weighs between 0.005- 0.07 lb (0.224 - 3.2 g).
This species of jellyfish does not have specific names for females and males
Baby moon jellyfish are called 'ephyrae'. They are also colloquially known as baby jellies.
Moon jellyfish have three main parts of their diet: medusae, plankton, and mollusks. Feeding on all three of these marine animals makes up the majority of the moon jellyfish diet.
Yes, the stinging cells of jellyfish are very dangerous, and their tentacles can cause great damage. Luckily though, they are not harmful enough to kill humans. Whilst simply touching a moon jellyfish will not cause great damage, you will still feel a slight sting, so it is best not to touch them! However, the moon jellyfish sting is used for their own protection as well as there are a lot of marine predators who want to devour them. Their oral arms produce a sting that can cause great damage to predators and to humans.
No, moon jellies are not good pets as they have stinging cells that can cause death or pain. Therefore the moon jellyfish's sting is too dangerous to keep the animal as a pet. You shouldn't keep a moon jellyfish as a pet as they belong in their ocean habitat with other aquatic animals.
These moon jellies have no brains!
Moon jellies cannot and do not actually know how to swim, it is the currents of the ocean and the wind that directs them.
Mainly birds, fish, sea turtles, and other marine animals in the ocean eat these moon jellies. However, humans also like to eat moon jellyfish too, it is particularly popular in Southeast Asia.
Moon jellyfish drift off and swim along with water currents. To keep themselves safe whilst traveling through the water, they often travel in groups that are called ‘blooms’. Moon jellyfish have a system of swimming, in which they swim in a horizontal direction and point their bells towards the surface of the water. When swimming like this, they spread their tentacles as soon as they see food that they want to catch. They can also do the same thing if they need to defend themselves from a predator. Moon jellyfish defend themselves by spreading their tentacles and stinging the attacker or the object that is posing the threat. The bell of the moon jellyfish has coronal muscles that pulsate like a human heart does (showing that moon jellyfish are alive), causing movement in the moon jellyfish.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these freshwater mussels facts and barnacle facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable moon jellyfish coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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