Moon Jelly Ephyra
Aurelia aurita (ephyra)
The ephyra is a small, star-shaped juvenile medusa released from the polyp during strobilation. It lives in the plankton of coastal waters, pulsing its lobed bell while feeding on tiny crustaceans and other suspended animals. Its short marginal tentacles and stinging cells are already functional, though far less imposing than those of the adult. A single polyp can release several ephyrae in sequence, rapidly increasing local numbers.
- Type
- Venom / Water
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Moon Jelly Polyp
- Moon Jelly Ephyra
- Moon Jelly