Moon jellyfish in Thailand

One of the most recognisable jellyfish in the world. Its sting is usually barely felt — most people notice only a slight prickle. It often gathers in large groups in calm water.

What it looks like

A wide, flat, clear saucer-shaped bell with four pink, violet or milky horseshoe rings in the centre. A fringe of very short fine tentacles lines the edge, with four short frilly oral arms below.

Size: Bell usually 10–30 cm.

Where and when in Thailand

Found in coastal waters on both coasts, especially in calm bays and near harbours.

Gulf of Thailand · Andaman Sea

The sting

Usually a slight prickle or nothing at all. Sensitive skin may redden a little.

First aid

📞 Emergency medical services in Thailand: 1669

Rinse with seawater; use a cold pack if the skin is irritated.

Lookalikes

White-spotted jellyfish — white dots on the bell and long ribbons beneath. Young box jellyfish are also clear, but have a cube-shaped bell and long tentacles from the corners.

Did you know

• The four rings in the centre are its reproductive organs, visible through the clear body.
• Genetic studies show that “Aurelia aurita” is really a group of similar species — Thailand has one of them.

Also called: Moon jelly, Aurelia aurita