compass jellyfish

cnidarian

Also known as: Chrysaora hysoscella

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June 24, 2026

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The compass jellyfish, scientifically known as Chrysaora hysoscella, is a type of jellyfish belonging to the class Scyphozoa within the phylum Cnidaria. These marine animals are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. The compass jellyfish has a bell-shaped body, up to 8 inches in diameter, often displaying brown, V-shaped markings against a cream or yellowish-brown background.12

Cnidarians, as a phylum, are characterized by microscopic stinging cells called nematocysts. While most cnidarians are marine, some inhabit freshwater environments. This phylum includes a diverse range of species such as corals, sea anemones, and other types of jellyfish, like the highly venomous Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri). Compass jellyfish primarily feed on small planktonic animals.231

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Chrysaora
…hysoscella, also often called the compass jellyfish. The bell-shaped body of this variety is roughly hemispherical and smooth and measures as much as 200 mm (8 inches) in diameter. Sixteen brown, V-shaped radial markings point to the centre of the bell, typically against a background of cream to yellowish brown,…
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…hysoscella, also often called the compass jellyfish. The bell-shaped body of this variety is roughly hemispherical and smooth and measures as much as 200 mm (8 inches) in diameter. Sixteen brown, V-shaped radial markings point to the centre of the bell, typically against a background of cream to yellowish brown,…
Read More