Moon jellyfish move efficiently through water by creating complex vortex rings in the wake of their motion.
“Through his research, Dabiri has observed that moon jellyfish don’t
move through water simply by using jet propulsion. Instead, they create
complex vortex rings in the wake of their motion that allow them propel
themselves forward. Cracking the code to how jellyfish create these currents has the
potential to inform the development of future propulsion models. On the
horizon are possible advances in underwater transportation or medical
technologies administered through the blood stream.” (Halverson 2011:1)
Moon Jelly Life Cycle
This video, from Shape of Life, depicts the life cycle of moon jellies from tiny polyps to adults. You can see an adult jelly's swimming behavior at 2:00.
