Animals A-Z
Moon Jellies
Scientific Name : Aurelia aurita
Status : Least concern
On view at Aquarium in : Jellyfish Corner
The moon jellyfish, often simply called the moon jelly, is one of the most widespread and recognisable jellyfish species. With its translucent, moon-like bell and delicate tentacles, it captivates both wild observers and aquarium visitors alike. Despite its seemingly fragile appearance, the moon jelly is a resilient species, thriving in a wide range of marine environments.
Quick Facts
Did You Know?
- Mild Sting: Unlike some of its more dangerous relatives, the moon jelly’s sting is mild and generally harmless to humans. Their stinging cells, or nematocysts, are used primarily to capture small planktonic prey.
- Simple Yet Adaptable: Moon jellies lack complex organs like a brain or heart. Instead, they rely on a simple nerve net to respond to stimuli and diffuse oxygen through their thin bodies for respiration. This simplicity makes them highly adaptable to various environmental conditions.
- Masters of Reproduction: Moon jellies have a fascinating two-phase lifecycle, alternating between asexual reproduction during their polyp stage and sexual reproduction in their medusa stage. In the polyp stage, they can clone themselves by budding, creating new individuals without mating.
- Survival Experts: Moon jellies are incredibly resilient and can survive in low-oxygen environments where other marine creatures struggle. This adaptability helps them thrive in regions where water quality may be compromised.
- Glowing Illusion: While moon jellies aren’t bioluminescent, their translucent bodies can create a glowing illusion, especially when illuminated by certain lighting or surrounded by bioluminescent plankton in the water, making them an enchanting sight in the ocean.
Museum Gallery
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Ainmhithe A-Z
Tá os cionn 400 ainmhí i Mara Beo ó ar fud an domhain ar fad. Faigh amach níos mó eolais faoi na speicis iontacha!
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Cothú Ainmhithe
Seiceáil an sceideal seachtainiúil agus bí linn agus sinn ag tabhairt bia dos na hainmhithe agus an foireann ag tabhairt eolas faoi na hainmhithe eagsúla.
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Mar a deir ár gcustaiméirí fúinn:
Located right on the main road so very easy to locate and head over to food and shopping. There are adorable penguins and otters to watch and interact with through the glass. Also, there are many interesting fish, lobsters, crabs, rays, etc to admire. We didn’t have kids with us but definitely something they would enjoy. I would recommend it everyone who stops in Dingle.
Definitely a must see spot in Dingle. We loved the butterfly room and the otters. All of the exhibits are well maintained, the animals look healthy and cared for and the educational talks were very informative.
Great aquarium with lots of different tanks, exhibits and information. Plenty of fish, sea creatures, penguins, otters and even a butterfly enclosure make this a lovely place to spend two hours. Staff are informative and helpful.
Great place! Seems tiny on the outside but lots to see, lovely time spent for both adults and kids. There is a variety of animals to see and interesting facts and info to read as well, highly recommended!
