General Description

Body (bell) rounded and covered in numerous raised, warty lumps. Cross structure inside body, visible through transparent bell. Curved arms around the bottom of the bell, one with a long colourful tail. No tentacles. Bell and arms reasonably transparent. Tail may be in various stages of regeneration. Bell up to 40 cm across.

Biology

The tail of Haeckel's Jellyfish can be damaged during prey capture and attack from other animals, so its length varies depending on the stage of regeneration. The warty lumps on the bell and the curved arms contain stinging cells. In Port Phillip they may have amphipods or parasitic anemones living upon them.

Habitat

Open water, may drift near shore, to depth of 30 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

Most states of Australia.

Species Group

Jellyfishes and allies › Jellyfishes

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

Surface Midwater

Max Size

40 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Minor sting possible.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Jellyfish and allies

Conservation Status

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