About Haeckel’s Jellyfish
Haeckel’s Jellyfish in Port Phillip Bay are most commonly seen seen between about October and March according to the records published on iNaturalist. While they have the potential to sting, they are not known for this. They are, perhaps, one of our most attractive jellies. For its name, as well as many early discoveries, we have to thank a German naturalist who had a lifelong love of jellyfish, inspired by their beauty.
Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel (1834-1913) described Haeckel’s Jellyfish in 1884. He was so enamoured by jellyfish he named one after his wife, Anna Sethe, who died after only 18 months of marriage. A heartbroken Haeckel wrote the following tribute to his wife in reference to another species he named after his ‘unforgettable true wife’ adding ‘if I have succeeded, during my earthly pilgrimage in accomplishing something for natural science and humanity, I owe the greatest part to the ennobling influence of this gifted wife.”
Where to see Haeckel’s Jellyfish
If you want to see Haeckel’s Jellyfish in Port Phillip Bay they occur almost everywhere. If you’re snorkelling in the summer you’re very likely to come across them anywhere you swim. They very often occur in the shallows. But they also move very slowly so you have plenty of time to admire them. Because they have no long stinging tentacles, they are virtually harmless.
Other jellyfish in Port Phillip Bay
Other common jellyfish species are the Lions Mane Jellyfish and the Blue Blubber. These species tend to be more eruptive and occur in abundance every few years when conditions are just right.
Port Phillip Bay jellyfish, sea lettuce and bioluminescent algae
The former has long stinging tentacles – though if you’re wearing a wetsuit this isn’t normally a problem. Tap the Lions Mane on the top of the head and they tend to retract the stingers ; )
