Mosaic jellyfish
Catostylus mosaicus
Quick Facts
- Size:
- up to 45 cm in diameter
- Depth:
- 0–30 m
- Family:
- Catostylidae
- Type:
- Jellyfish
- Activity:
- Diurnal
- Habitat:
- Indian Ocean; Pacific Ocean
- Conservation status:
- Not Evaluated (NE) — species has not been assessed by IUCN
The mosaic jellyfish has a dome-shaped body up to 35 cm in diameter. Its colour varies from whitish-blue to cream, with a pattern like a mosaic or cellular design on the bell. The tentacles are short and fringed, forming a fan-like shape under the bell.
It lives in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, especially off Australia, Japan and India. It inhabits shallow lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 2 to 55 metres.
It feeds on plankton, small fish and crustaceans. The mosaic jellyfish filters water with its tentacles to capture food.
It is not especially dangerous to humans, although contact with its tentacles can cause skin irritation or a mild sting. Its venom is not deadly and in most cases causes only mild symptoms.
The mosaic jellyfish is an important part of coral reef ecosystems, as it is involved in feeding and the movement of nutrients.
