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Lots of big Aurelia

Description and Comments

Dozens of moon jellies (Aurelia labiata) around Indian Arm. Highest concentrations near Jug Island and Cozy Cove but there are individuals almost everywhere in the Arm. Most are quite large (BD>20cm). Spent several hours on the water over the last 2 days and saw hundreds of Aurelia but only 2 lion's manes (Cyanea capillata).

Author

lucas

Type of organism

Jellyfish

Quantity

100

Latitude

49.32

Longitude

-122.94

Comments

lucas Mon, 07/20/2015 - 15:34

Hi Sean,
Yes, you can usually find these close to shore, but it is often sick/dying individuals that are in the shallowest waters so looking for specimens in deeper waters next to docks is probably your best bet. But note that jellies from temperate waters are unlikely to survive very long in an aquarium without a chiller. For jellies to survive in water at room temperature you'd need more tropical species/varieties.
Lucas

lucas Fri, 07/24/2015 - 14:29

Hi Elizabeth. With a bit of practice, Mitrocoma and Aurelia are pretty easy to tell apart. Firstly, you're right about the size, in that Mitrocoma in B.C. are rarely very large, and are typically smaller than a toonie. Aurelia on the other hand can grow quite large, even exceeding dinner-plate diameter. Mitrocoma also have a distinct cross or x-pattern, whereas Aurelia typically have 4 circular or horseshoe shaped gonads near their centre, which is usually a dead giveaway for IDing them. Google some images and you'll see the differences pretty quickly. I hope that helps. Happy jellywatching!
Lucas

wayne7teng Sat, 02/27/2016 - 11:10

Hi guys,

I'm located in Alberta, Edmonton and would also like to start a jellyfish aquarium.

Would anyone be interested in helping me catch some jellyfish and shipping them to Edmonton? Would give money for your service!

Thanks

Wayne

Shoot me an email at wayne7teng@gmail.com