Jellyfish

Moon jelly

Aurelia spp.

Sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal surface waters

Photo: Roger Myers · CC BY 3.0 · Source and license. Displayed as a resized crop. Photograph illustrates the species.

Habitat: Sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal surface waters
Viewing zone: Surface–10 m
Viewing activities: Snorkeling · Scuba diving · Offshore

Field context

Coastal waters; seasonality varies with local conditions. Treat as a species complex: the 2003 California photo was identified as A. aurita before many modern taxonomic refinements.

Observing responsibly

Moon jellies form a species complex. A photograph alone may not support identification to species.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN RECORDED?

Explore the featured regions

These dated records show past presence. They do not establish today’s abundance, guarantee a sighting, or describe the species’ entire range.

This reference profile does not have a matching record in the four featured snapshots. That is not evidence of absence. Explore the live map for other areas and records.