Moon Jelly

(Aurelia aurita)

The moon jelly has a worldwide distribution and is found in many coastal and estuarine environments. The Bras d'Or estuary is a perfect environment for moon jellies, as it is a shallow, semi-enclosed system with limited tidal exchange. Salt content and water temperature affect the shape and size but it is believed that they thrive best in warm waters with a higher salinity. Moon jellies are known to feed on most organisms small enough to become entangled on their bells or in their tentacles. Once entangled, moon jellies use their arms to move their prey towards their stomachs, located under their bells.