Haeckel’s Discomedusae: The Jellyfish That Mesmerized the World

Published in 1880 as Plate 8 of Kunstformen der Natur, Ernst Haeckel’s Discomedusae is one of the most iconic scientific illustrations of marine life ever created. This now-famous jellyfish plate is both a biological marvel and a visual symphony of symmetry, movement, and translucent grace.

Why It Matters

More than just beautiful, this illustration was groundbreaking for its time. It captured the anatomy and diversity of the disc-shaped jellyfish of the order Discomedusae—many of which had never been drawn in such detail before. Today, it remains a celebrated fusion of science and art, continuing to inspire biologists, designers, and ocean lovers alike.

The Species Featured

• 1  
  
• Desmonema annasethe (Haeckel) = Cyanea annasethe Haeckel, 1880^[1],
  •  Adult
  • Named by Haeckel after his beloved wife Anna Sethe, who died tragically a year before he encountered this jellyfish. It is both a scientific dedication and a deeply personal elegy.

• 2
  
• Desmonema annasethe (Haeckel) = Cyanea annasethe Haeckel, 1880^[2],
  • Bell of adult from below, tentacles and most other appendages removed, retaining gonads (top left) and mouth veils (bottom); top right: cut open to show stomach
    

• 3
  
• Floscula Promethea (Haeckel)
  • Juvenile
  • Floscula Promethea, in the upper left, is only a quarter of the sizeof Annasethe. In nature it is about four times the size of Annasethe but Haeckel gave promoninse in his illustration to the Annasethe for reasons stated above.

• 4  
  
• Chrysaora mediterranea (Peron) = Chrysaora hysoscella (Linnaeus, 1767)^[3],
  • Adult
  • The stinging cells and venom of Chrysaora hysoscella are strong and can produce painful, long lasting weals in humans.

Trivia for the Ocean-Loving Nerd

• Haeckel’s Discomedusae was not just art — it was a tool for education, shown in schools and universities to teach marine anatomy and radial symmetry.
• The organic architecture inspired by this plate has influenced everything from lampshades to furniture to jewelry design.
• Jellyfish like D. annasethe have since appeared in postage stamps, book covers, and even tattoos — turning Haeckel into a cult figure in nature-inspired design.

Products Featuring This Illustration

Why We Love It

Discomedusae represents everything we adore at Ocean Vista Apparel: deep curiosity, artistic legacy, and marine biodiversity. Wearing these designs is more than fashion — it’s a tribute to the wonders of our planet’s oceans, past and present.

Stay curious, stay ocean-loving. 🌊