New jellyfish species on display at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

The aquarium is celebrating mauve stingers and white-spotted jellyfish for World Jellyfish Day

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is marking World Jellyfish Day today by displaying a new jellyfish species for the very first time.

The team is thrilled to have established a population of mauve stingers (Pelagia noctiluca) over the past five months, which is a rare feat for an aquarium.

“It’s the first time we have grown this species from the ephyra stage to the medusa stage and our aim is for them to eventually reproduce. The mauve stingers here at SEA LIFE Melbourne are currently translucent but will develop a purple tinge as they age. They have a nasty sting, which can cause pain for up to two weeks, and are bioluminescent, which means they have the ability to glow in the dark,” said Alex Iozzi, Aquarist at SEA LIFE Melbourne.

This World Jellyfish Day, the team is also celebrating the successful growth of its population of white-spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata). This species is notoriously difficult to breed but incredibly beautiful to look at.

“Since going on display in January 2022, the white-spotted jellyfish have gone from strength to strength. This mesmerising species can grow up to 50cm in diameter and are found in Australian waters, but their sting is very mild,” said Christine Evans, Aquarist at SEA LIFE Melbourne.

SEA LIFE Melbourne is one of a few aquariums in Australia with mauve stingers and white-spotted jellyfish on display.

With summer just around the corner, the team is urging people to be careful of jellyfish in the ocean.

“If you get stung by most species of jellyfish, you simply need to wash the tentacles off with saltwater and use cold packs or anaesthetic cream to reduce the pain. If you suspect the sting is from a box jellyfish, you’ll also need to seek immediate medical help, immobilise the limb and bandage it firmly,” continued Christine.

Guests can learn more about jellyfish in the aquarium’s Ocean Invaders zone. Ocean Invaders is a sensory experience that immerses guests in the wonderful world of jellyfish with mesmerising displays that encourage guest interaction. 

Pre-Book Your Tickets Now