Why Is a Baby Jellyfish Called a Ephyra?

Q: What is a baby jellyfish called?

A baby jellyfish is called a ephyra. Jellyfish babies are called "ephyra"

The story behind the baby animal name “Ephyra” — its origin, meaning, and history.

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Baby Animal Names Editorial Team

·Updated 2025

Quick Answer

A baby jellyfish is called a ephyra. The name "Ephyra" has been used for baby jellyfishs for centuries.

The Origin of “Ephyra”

The baby animal name “Ephyra” for jellyfishs has deep roots in the English language. Like many baby animal names, it evolved from practical usage — people who worked closely with animals needed specific terms to describe their young.

Baby animal names often come from Old English, Latin, French, or indigenous languages. They reflect how humans have interacted with and categorized animals throughout history.

Fun Facts About Baby Jellyfishs

•Jellyfish babies are called "ephyra"
•They start as polyps attached to the seafloor
•Ephyrae bud off polyps like stacks of pancakes
•Baby jellyfish are only a few millimeters wide

Did You Know?

Jellyfish babies clone themselves — a single polyp can produce dozens of identical ephyrae!

How to Pronounce “Ephyra”