Feeding

Moon Jellyfish, along with other Cnidarians, have a specialized structure that is used for both feeding and defense. These cells are called cnidocytes. When anything brushes up against the cnidocytes, spear-like, toxin-containing nematocysts are ejected. The prey is thus held and subdued until it can be ingested into the mouth of the jellyfish. Typically, the majority of cnidocytes are found around the mouth and on the tenticles.

When ingested, the prey is pushed into the gastrovascular cavity by ciliated action. It is then broken down by digestive enzymes.

Moon Jellyfish are not nearly as picky of eaters as you and me but their usual diet consists of a variety of zooplankton including copepods, cladocerans, larvaceans, and bivalves.