They are very common along the Great Barrier Reef. They are not only common in Australia but also in every ocean on Earth.
As an ancient species and one of the oldest kinds of living creatures on the planet, jellyfish have massively outlived the dinosaurs. They live in all oceans around the world: In cold waters, hot waters and everything in between.
They are abundant in the ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef is home to many different species of jellyfish. Jellyfish look scary – and sure, you should probably just avoid all of them to stay safe – but take comfort in knowing that not all of them are venomous!
Moon jellies
Moon jellies are mainly translucent jellyfish that are white-ish, milky-coloured jellyfish. They’re common not only in Australia, but the whole ocean.
There are several common jellyfish that you’ll find in Australia. Not only in Australia but the whole of the ocean.
Jelly blubber
The jellyblubber is another very common jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef. They have a mushroom shape on top of them, which allows them to move easily through water. Their tentacles are thick, which helps to further propel them through the water.
These are big, blubbery-looking jellyfish…
This variant of jelly is harmless. If you go diving or snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef, or anywhere along the East Coast, then you’ll probably see one of these blubbery sea creatures!
The jellyblubber fish is the most common jellyfish encountered along the East Coast of Australia. These jellies thrive in open water, in both shallow and deeper areas of the Great Barrier Reef.
They move along the water by pulsating themselves along the water. Their bell-top pulses, and they’re able to move easily through the water within the column of movement they’ve created.
Are jelly blubbers dangerous?
No! The Jelly Blubber is not dangerous for humans. Skin-to-blubber contact might cause a little bit of mild irritation, but it’s nothing too intense.
They move along the water by pulsating themselves along the water. Their bell-top pulses, and they’re able to move easily through the water within the column.
The most venomous ones are in the tropical parts of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, such as the bluebottle jellyfish and the box jellyfish.
The most venomous jellyfish are:
- Portugese man o’war
- Box jellyfish
But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways you can stay safe during stinger season! Plus, the venomous jellies are only a concern during stinger season. Any other time of year is much safer to go for a swim.
Plus, stinger suits are a great option if you’re looking to explore the Reef whilst dodging jellies.
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