Animal Species:Jelly Blubber
The Jelly Blubber is the most commonly encountered jellyfish along the Australian eastern coast and large swarms sometimes appear in estuarine waters.
Jelly Blubber floating in ocean
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Identification
In Sydney waters, the Jelly Blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north it is usually blue. This is because the jellyfish has developed a symbiotic relationship with algal plant cells that are kept inside its body. These plants vary in colour from region to region. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the jellyfish.
Size range
35 cm
Distribution
Jelly Blubbers are found in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Habitat
Jelly Blubbers tend to be found in intertidal estuaries and coastal waters.
Feeding and Diet
The Jelly Blubber has no mouth but there are many tiny openings in its tentacles. The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton.
Classification
- Species:
- mosaicus
- Genus:
- Catostylus
- Family:
- Catostylidae
- Order:
- Rhizostomeae
- Class:
- Scyphozoa
- Phylum:
- Cnidaria
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags jellyfish, jellies, scyphozoans, invertebrates, wildlife of sydney, identification,