General Description

Raised transparent "sail" on a blue oval disk that has concentric circles. Body underneath is dark blue. Short fringing tentacles hang from the disc. Float up to 4 cm across.

Biology

These animals float on the surface with their short tentacles hanging below in the water. Their movement is powered by the wind hitting the sail. Each batch of young has some animals with a right-hand sail and some with a left-hand sail, ensuring that they do not all get blown in one direction.

Habitat

Floating on the surface, may drift near shore due to tides and wind.

Open water

Distribution guide

Worldwide.

Species Group

Jellyfishes and allies › Jellyfishes

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)

Water Column

Surface

Max Size

4 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Mild sting possible.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Jellyfish and allies

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed