Fascinating Facts About Jellyfish: Nature’s Mysterious Sea Drifters

Have you ever encountered a swarm of jellyfish in the sea? Who exactly are these strange sea creatures? Following are some surprising facts you may not know.

What Are Jellyfish?

Jellyfish, often referred to as “jellyfish” or “sea jellies”, are marine animals with no bones, covered only by skin. They look like a dome or umbrella with trailing tentacles that resemble legs, and about 90% of their body is simply water. Despite having no skeleton, a jellyfish can weigh over 200 kilograms (440 pounds).

Jellyfish don’t really swim. Instead, they drift through the ocean, carried by water currents.

How Do Jellyfish Hunt?

Jellyfish are predators. With their tentacles, which are lined with stinging and venomous cells, they capture small marine creatures like plankton and tiny fish.

For humans, jellyfish are usually not deadly, but their sting can cause painful burning sensations. It’s always best to keep a distance when you see one.

Lakes Full of Jellyfish

In the Pacific island nation of Palau, there is a lake containing millions of jellyfish. Luckily, these jellyfish are harmless and they don’t sting. Divers can swim freely among them, and the jellyfish have even become a kind of attraction, almost like pets of the underwater world.

Giant Jellyfish in Japan

On the western coast of Japan, giant jellyfish appear every year. These enormous creatures can grow to the size of a car and weigh hundreds of kilograms. Around half a billion jellyfish of this type drift to Japan’s shores annually, although the reason for their appearance remains a mystery. The Japanese use them to produce medicines and health products.