Jellyfish | Medusozoa

Jellyfish, also sometimes referred to as Sea Jellies, is the marine animal that is part of the Medusozoa subphylum and is known for its unusual body form. The Jellyfish has an umbrella-like gelatinous body with trailing tentacles that are used both to capture prey and defend itself. A Jellyfish swims by pulsating the top part of its body to propel itself through the water. The Jellyfish can be found all over the world and lives in both surface or deep waters. The lifespan of a Jellyfish depends on the species, but some have a lifespan of 12 to 18 months while others can live up to 20 years.

What is a group of jellyfish called?

A group of jellyfish is called a smack. A smack is also the term used to describe a slap or blow that is given by the hand either usually as a reaction. The term smack is used for a group of jellyfish as it describes what it feels like when someone is among jellyfish.

What do jellyfish eat?

Jellyfish usually eat whatever food they find as they swim through water and can fit in their mouth which includes shrimp, krill, and small fish. As a result of this process, jellyfish are considered ‘passive’ feeders since they are not actively hunting or looking for food.

How do jellyfish reproduce?

Jellyfish reproduce in 2 different ways depending on their current body form since they embody 2 different body forms throughout their lifespan, the medusa and polyps. Polyps can reproduce through asexual budding and the medusa body form reproduces through spawn eggs and sperm to reproduce sexually.

Jellyfish Guides
Browse through our curated Jellyfish Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Jellyfish. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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2.36”-4.33” | 6-11 cm
5”-9.84” | 12.7-25 cm
17.7”-35” | 45-89 cm
6-18 months
Atlantic Sea Nettle
11.000
25.000
89.000
1.50
300
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sea Nettle
.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
1.6”-13.8” | 4-35 cm
Atolla Jellyfish
17.000
17.000
35.000
1200
GUIDE
3D
Atolla Jellyfish
12.6”-47” | 32-119 cm
15.75”-59” | 40-150 cm
29”-108” | 74-274 cm
55-88 lb | 25-40 kg
2-6 months
Barrel Jellyfish
119.000
150.000
274.000
40.000
0.50
6400
GUIDE
3D
Barrel Jellyfish
8.3”-18.9” | 21-48 cm
16”-36” | 40.6-91.4 cm
44”-104” | 112-264 cm
6-12 months
Black Sea Nettle Jellyfish
48.000
91.400
264.000
1.00
350
GUIDE
3D
Black Sea Nettle Jellyfish
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
.47”-3.94” | 1.2-10 cm
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish
16.000
10.000
16.000
100
GUIDE
3D
Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish
7.1”-13.8” | 18-35 cm
9.84”-17.72” | 25-45 cm
24.8”-44.9” | 63-114 cm
1 year
Blue Jellyfish
35.000
45.000
114.000
1.00
5800
GUIDE
3D
Blue Jellyfish
5.5”-7.9” | 14-20 cm
7.1”-9.84” | 18-25 cm
7.5”-10.6” | 19-27 cm
.31-3 lb | .14-1.38 kg
3-6 months
Cannonball Jellyfish
20.000
25.000
27.000
1.380
0.50
12000
GUIDE
3D
Cannonball Jellyfish
3.5”-6.3” | 9-16 cm
5.9”-10” | 15-25.4 cm
16.5”-27.2” | 42-69 cm
.44-5.3 lb | .2-2.4 kg
1 year
Compass Jellyfish
16.000
25.400
69.000
2.400
1.00
5600
GUIDE
3D
Compass Jellyfish
8.7”-19.7” | 22-50 cm
9.84”-23.62” | 25-60 cm
13”-30.7” | 33-78 cm
.04-.89 lb | .02-.4 kg
3-6 months
Crowned Jellyfish
50.000
60.000
78.000
0.400
0.50
5
GUIDE
3D
Crowned Jellyfish
.5”-5.9” | 1.2-15 cm
.8”-10” | 2-25.4 cm
1.2”-14.2” | 3-36 cm
2-6 months
Crystal Jellyfish
15.000
25.400
36.000
0.50
1500
GUIDE
3D
Crystal Jellyfish
.3”-.63” | .8-1.6 cm
.39”-.79” | 1-2 cm
.67”-1.34” | 1.7-3.4 cm
Darth Vader Jellyfish
1.600
2.000
3.400
40
GUIDE
3D
Darth Vader Jellyfish
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
4.72”-5.91” | 12-15 cm
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
4-6 months
Flower Hat Jelly
15.000
15.000
27.000
0.50
150
GUIDE
3D
Flower Hat Jelly
1.6”-8.7” | 4-22 cm
2.36”-11.8” | 6-30 cm
2”-10.2” | 5-26 cm
4-6 months
Fried Egg Jellyfish
22.000
30.000
26.000
0.50
2000
GUIDE
3D
Fried Egg Jellyfish
10.2”-41.3” | 26-105 cm
15.75”-78.75” | 40-200 cm
28.3”-143” | 72-362 cm
200-480 lb | 91-217 kg
1 year
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
105.000
200.000
362.000
217.000
1.00
6900
GUIDE
3D
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
.79”-2.75” | 2-7 cm
1.18”-3.94” | 3-10 cm
3.15”-11” | 8-28 cm
6-9 months
Mauve Stinger
7.000
10.000
28.000
0.75
2300
GUIDE
3D
Mauve Stinger
3.94”-9.1” | 10-23 cm
5.91”-13.78” | 15-35 cm
7.1”-16.5” | 18-42 cm
.01-.07 lb | .01-.03 kg
8-12 months
Moon Jellyfish
23.000
35.000
42.000
0.030
1.00
56000
GUIDE
3D
Moon Jellyfish
22”-27.2” | 56-69 cm
30”-36” | 76.2-91.4 cm
55”-67” | 140-170 cm
30-50 lb | 14-23 kg
Pink Meanie Jellyfish
69.000
91.400
170.000
23.000
1200
GUIDE
3D
Pink Meanie Jellyfish
2”-5.1” | 5-13 cm
4.72”-11.8” | 12-30 cm
8.7”-23.2” | 22-59 cm
1 year
Portuguese Man o' War
13.000
30.000
59.000
1.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Portuguese Man o' War
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
2.95”-3.94” | 7.5-10 cm
6.7”-9.1” | 17-23 cm
Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish
13.000
10.000
23.000
5
GUIDE
3D
Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish
13.4”-14.2” | 34-36 cm
17.7”-19.7” | 45-50 cm
36.2”-41.7” | 92-106 cm
20-24 lb | 9-11 kg
1 year
White-Spotted Jellyfish
36.000
50.000
106.000
11.000
1.00
410
GUIDE
3D
White-Spotted Jellyfish
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish compared to other jellyfish and a person

The Lion’s Mane jellyfish, known scientifically as Cyanea capillata, is the largest known jellyfish, with the largest Lion’s Mane identified in 1870 with a 7 foot diameter bell and 120 foot long tentacles. The Lion’s Mane jellyfish primarily inhabits the cold waters of the Arctic, Atlantic, and northern Pacific oceans. However, the Lion’s Mane has also been found drifting in the Baltic Sea. Other species of large jellies, which may or may not actually be Lion’s Mane, have been spotted off the coast of Australia and New Zealand. The Lion’s Mane jelly is also known as the giant jellyfish or the hair jelly. The Lion’s Mane jelly uses its long tentacles to capture its prey of zooplankton, sea animals, and smaller jellyfish.

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish have a bell width between 15.75”-78.75” (40-200 cm), bell height of 10.2”-41.3” (26-105 cm), and overall length of 28.3”-143” (72-362 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish is 1 year with a weight between 200-480 lb (91-217 kg).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
The Lion’s Mane jellyfish, known scientifically as Cyanea capillata, is the largest known jellyfish, with the largest Lion’s Mane identified in 1870 with a 7 foot diameter bell and 120 foot long tentacles. The Lion’s Mane jelly is also known as the giant jellyfish or the hair jelly.

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish have a bell width between 15.75”-78.75” (40-200 cm), bell height of 10.2”-41.3” (26-105 cm), and overall length of 28.3”-143” (72-362 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish is 1 year with a weight between 200-480 lb (91-217 kg).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
Height:
10.2”-41.3” | 26-105 cm
Width:
15.75”-78.75” | 40-200 cm
Length:
28.3”-143” | 72-362 cm
Depth:
Weight:
200-480 lb | 91-217 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Cyanea capillata
Lifespan
1 year

Drawings include:

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Crowned Jellyfish (Cephea cephea)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Crowned Jellyfish to a typical person and jellyfish

The Crowned jellyfish, known as Cephea cephea, is a crown jellyfish usually found in the cold water up to 3,000 feet below the surface in the Indo-Pacific ocean. The Crowned jellyfish is purple and blue in color, bioluminescent, and has the distinctive bell shape of crown jellies. The Crown jellyfish also has warts that protrude off its body. The Crowned jellyfish is one of the most venomous jellyfish, yet not to humans; therefore, it is eaten as a delicacy and even used medically in certain Asian countries. The Crowned jellyfish, like most other jellies, has tentacles that can be used to stun and capture its prey.

Crowned Jellyfish have a bell width between 9.84”-23.62” (25-60 cm), bell height of 8.7”-19.7” (22-50 cm), and overall length of 13”-30.7” (33-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crowned Jellyfish is 3-6 months with a weight between .04-.89 lb (.02-.4 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Crowned Jellyfish in front and side poses
The Crowned jellyfish, known as Cephea cephea, is a crown jellyfish usually found in the cold water up to 3,000 feet below the surface in the Indo-Pacific ocean. The Crowned jellyfish is purple and blue in color, bioluminescent, and has the distinctive bell shape of crown jellies.

Crowned Jellyfish have a bell width between 9.84”-23.62” (25-60 cm), bell height of 8.7”-19.7” (22-50 cm), and overall length of 13”-30.7” (33-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crowned Jellyfish is 3-6 months with a weight between .04-.89 lb (.02-.4 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Crowned Jellyfish in front and side poses
Crowned Jellyfish (Cephea cephea)
Height:
8.7”-19.7” | 22-50 cm
Width:
9.84”-23.62” | 25-60 cm
Length:
13”-30.7” | 33-78 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.04-.89 lb | .02-.4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Cephea cephea
Lifespan
3-6 months

Drawings include:

Crowned Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Atlantic Sea Nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Atlantic Sea Nettle to a typical person and jellyfish

The Atlantic Sea Nettle, known as Chrysaora quinquecirrha, is a relatively small jellyfish of various colors found along the Atlantic coast of the United States. When compared to the Pacific Sea Nettle, the Atlantic Sea Nettle is smaller. The Atlantic Sea Nettle, though small, is capable of delivering a potent sting. The Atlantic Sea Nettle’s tentacles are covered in coiled stinging filaments ready to release once they are touched. This sting, while not inherently dangerous to humans, is able to kill small prey and deter predators. The Atlantic Sea Nettle is carnivorous and feeds on small marine critters and uses its powerful sting to stun and kill its food.

Atlantic Sea Nettles have a bell width between 5”-9.84” (12.7-25 cm), bell height of 2.36”-4.33” (6-11 cm), and overall length of 17.7”-35” (45-89 cm). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Sea Nettle is 6-18 months.

Scaled collection of drawings of Atlantic Sea Nettle in front and side poses
The Atlantic Sea Nettle, known as Chrysaora quinquecirrha, is a relatively small jellyfish of various colors found along the Atlantic coast of the United States. When compared to the Pacific Sea Nettle, the Atlantic Sea Nettle is smaller.

Atlantic Sea Nettles have a bell width between 5”-9.84” (12.7-25 cm), bell height of 2.36”-4.33” (6-11 cm), and overall length of 17.7”-35” (45-89 cm). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Sea Nettle is 6-18 months.

Scaled collection of drawings of Atlantic Sea Nettle in front and side poses
Atlantic Sea Nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha)
Height:
2.36”-4.33” | 6-11 cm
Width:
5”-9.84” | 12.7-25 cm
Length:
17.7”-35” | 45-89 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Chrysaora quinquecirrha
Lifespan
6-18 months

Drawings include:

Atlantic Sea Nettle side elevation, front, top

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Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Moon Jellyfish to a typical person and jellyfish

The Moon jellyfish, known scientifically as Aurelia aurita, is an almost entirely translucent jellyfish which features four, distinct, bioluminescent, horseshoe-shaped gonads in its top. The Moon jellyfish is very common in northern seas, such as near Greenland, Northwest Pacific, and the Baltic sea, but can also be found outside South America. Aurelia aurita is very similar in appearance to other species in the Aurelia genus, so to truly identify an Aurelia aurita requires genetic testing. The Moon jellyfish is not an advanced swimmer and always drifts with the current, even when attempting to manually propel itself, therefore it prefers seas with consistent and mild currents, usually found inshore.

Moon Jellyfish have a bell width between 5.91”-13.78” (15-35 cm), bell height of 3.94”-9.1” (10-23 cm), and overall length of 7.1”-16.5” (18-42 cm). The typical lifespan of the Moon Jellyfish is 8-12 months with a weight between .01-.07 lb (.01-.03 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Moon Jellyfish in front and side poses
The Moon jellyfish, known scientifically as Aurelia aurita, is an almost entirely translucent jellyfish which features four, distinct, bioluminescent, horseshoe-shaped gonads in its top. The Moon jellyfish is very common in northern seas, such as near Greenland, Northwest Pacific, and Baltic sea.

Moon Jellyfish have a bell width between 5.91”-13.78” (15-35 cm), bell height of 3.94”-9.1” (10-23 cm), and overall length of 7.1”-16.5” (18-42 cm). The typical lifespan of the Moon Jellyfish is 8-12 months with a weight between .01-.07 lb (.01-.03 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Moon Jellyfish in front and side poses
Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Height:
3.94”-9.1” | 10-23 cm
Width:
5.91”-13.78” | 15-35 cm
Length:
7.1”-16.5” | 18-42 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.01-.07 lb | .01-.03 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Aurelia aurita
Lifespan
8-12 months

Drawings include:

Moon Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Crystal Jellyfish (Aequorea victoria)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Crystal Jellyfish to other jellyfish

The Crystal jellyfish, also known as Aequorea victoria, is a nearly completely see-through jellyfish with delicate strands as tentacles. The Crystal jellyfish is found in the Pacific ocean in the range from southern California all the way to Vancouver. The Crystal jellyfish is capable of expanding its mouth to eat other jellies more than half its size. The Crystal jellyfish lightly glows due to light-producing organs along the edge of its cap. In fact, the Crystal jellyfish is frequently harvested to be used as biological marker for calcium thanks to its glowing organs.

Crystal Jellyfish have a bell width between .8”-10” (2-25.4 cm), bell height of .5”-5.9” (1.2-15 cm), and overall length of 1.2”-14.2” (3-36 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crystal Jellyfish is 2-6 months.

Scaled collection of drawings of Crystal Jellyfish in front and side poses
The Crystal jellyfish, also known as Aequorea victoria, is a nearly completely see-through jellyfish with delicate strands as tentacles. The Crystal jellyfish is found in the Pacific ocean in the range from southern California all the way to Vancouver.

Crystal Jellyfish have a bell width between .8”-10” (2-25.4 cm), bell height of .5”-5.9” (1.2-15 cm), and overall length of 1.2”-14.2” (3-36 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crystal Jellyfish is 2-6 months.

Scaled collection of drawings of Crystal Jellyfish in front and side poses
Crystal Jellyfish (Aequorea victoria)
Height:
.5”-5.9” | 1.2-15 cm
Width:
.8”-10” | 2-25.4 cm
Length:
1.2”-14.2” | 3-36 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Aequorea victoria
Lifespan
2-6 months

Drawings include:

Crystal Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

Details & Downloads

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