The jelly blubber (Catostylus mosaicus), also known as the blue blubber jellyfish, is a species of jellyfish from coastal regions in the Indo-Pacific. It is the most commonly encountered jellyfish along the Australian eastern coast and large swarms sometimes appear in estuarine waters.

Description [ edit ]

Blubber Jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium showing two of the color variations (blue and brown) possible in this species.

In Sydney waters, the jelly blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north in Australia it is usually blue.[1] The colours are derived from pigment produced by the jellyfish itself (not symbiotic algae, as in some other jellyfish).[2] There is no obvious mouth on the underside, but there are small openings on each arm, through which food is passed to the stomach.[3] The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton. It grows to a diameter of 30–45 cm (12–18 in).[3]

The sting can be painful but generally poses no serious risk to humans.

Blubber jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Jellyfish Experience"

Distribution and habitat [ edit ]

This jellyfish is found in coastal parts of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia, it occurs off the coasts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It can also enter intertidal estuaries.[4]

Food [ edit ]

Eats mainly plankton, small fish, some crustaceans, and small particles in the ocean water.