Family
Belongs to the family Ulmaridae.
Species Guide
What to know about moon jellyfish
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
Aurelia aurita is a species of true jellyfish in the family Ulmaridae and is the type species of the genus Aurelia. Before the 2020s the taxon was considered cosmopolitan, but it has since been split into at least 28 species. The species now identified as A. aurita is found in the north Atlantic and in Argentina. A. aurita is not dangerous to humans.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Padangbai and Candidasa and countries such as French Polynesia, Indonesia, Ireland for divers building trips around moon jellyfish.
Identification
How to identify moon jellyfish
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Type species
Aurelia aurita is the type species of the genus Aurelia.
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Responsible Encounters
How to dive with moon jellyfish
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give moon jellyfish space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with jellyfish.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
Field notes
Taxonomic revision
Before the 2020s the taxon was considered cosmopolitan; it has since been split into at least 28 species.
Common names
Also called the common jellyfish, moon jellyfish, moon jelly, or saucer jelly.
Top Destinations
Top destinations to see moon jellyfish
Destinations surfaced from the linked dive spots associated with this species.
Top Countries
Top countries for moon jellyfish
The strongest country-level starting points currently linked to this species.
Top Dive Spots
Top dive spots for moon jellyfish
Directly linked dive spots where this species already shows up in the planning data.
Jetty, Tanah Ampo
Macro muck dive beneath an abandoned Bali dock.
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Les Éboulis
Shallow Tahiti lagoon dive with coral blocks and macro life.
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SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Readable Scapa Flow cruiser wreck
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Trá an Dóilín
Maerl beach dive with clear water and easy access.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.
Research Sources
Moon Jellyfish information sources
Primary and credible references behind the field-guide and conservation claims on this page.
Sources 3Last Updated
Moon jellyfish · Encyclopedia · Wikipedia
Primary wildlife guide source.
Moon Jellyfish · Encyclopedia · Britannica
Supporting wildlife source.
Aurelia aurita · Taxonomy · WoRMS
Taxonomy reference.
Related Species
More in Jellyfish
Related species guides in the same encounter family.
