Jellyfish Facts

Jellyfish are among the most intimidating and intriguing creatures of the marine world. They are found across the oceans of the globe, and exist in different water conditions and at different depths from the ocean floor to the surface. Over 2000 species of jellyfish have been identified till date. However, it is believed that as man continues to explore the depths of the ocean, many more species will be encountered. These curious creatures of the sea appear like jelly-like shapeless blobs on land, but in water, they are extremely dangerous, graceful and elusive. Jellyfish, along with the sea whip, coral and sea anemone, belong to phylum Cnidaria. The movements of the jellyfish are dependent on the ocean currents; however, they are capable of vertical movement. There are several fascinating facts about jellyfish. This is some great stuff even if you're looking for jellyfish facts for kids.

Interesting Facts About Jellyfish

• Jellyfish have existed for more than 650 million years and happen to be the oldest living creatures on the planet. They have existed before the dinosaurs and have survived longer than the dinosaurs.
• The jellyfish body lacks any skeletal structure and comprises of a gelatinous substance, which is 95% water. Thus, their bodies are soft and can get damaged easily. Only 5% of the jellyfish body is solid matter.
• Aquatic surroundings are vital for jellyfish as they need water to support their bodies. Lack of water in their surroundings causes them to collapse and die.
• Jellyfish exhibit a perfectly symmetrical body, wherein the body parts radiate from the central axis. This perfect symmetry not only enables the jellyfish to detect food from all sides, but also helps it to respond to danger from every direction.
• One of the interesting jellyfish facts is that they have no blood, brain and nervous system. They possess a neural net and eye spots which are capable of sensing light from dark. Chemosensory pits help them identify food and prey.
• Jellyfish have tentacles featuring a number of capsule-like apparatus filled with toxins. These toxins cause paralysis when the tentacles come in contact with something. These tentacles are used to catch prey as well as defend against predators.
• Jellyfish are carnivorous and feed on crustaceans, zooplankton, tiny fish and larvae. They trap different marine organisms with their tentacles while floating in water. The nasty sting from the tentacles renders the prey paralyzed or dead.
• Jellyfish is eaten by scores of people across the globe. However, the initial reaction to the thought of consuming jellyfish is that of dread and revulsion. People often loathe the thought of eating something bland, rubbery and wet. People who have acquired a taste for jellyfish find it less difficult to eat them.
• Jellyfish has no flavor of its own; cooked jellyfish takes on the flavor of the soy sauce or vinegar. When added to salads, the jellyfish takes on the flavor of the other salad ingredients. The cannonball jellyfish or the Stomolophus meleagris are larger and have more rigid bodies, and are therefore the most popular ones used in dishes. Their nutritional content makes them a healthy snack.
• One of the comforting jellyfish facts is that the jellyfish available in the market for consumption are venom-free. To neutralize the venom in the tentacles, the jellyfish are processed in salt and alum. Such processing is necessary to prevent the jellyfish from rotting. Thus, people need not fear the venomous stings.
• Jellyfish population has increased drastically and is causing scores of problems to human beings living on the coastal front. The number of people stung by jellyfish has risen dramatically. Most jellyfish do not cause any substantial harm. However, some can spearhead extreme reactions, resulting in even death.
• Jellyfish also cause a lot of nuisance to ships and carriers in the ocean. Jellyfish generally live and move in large swarms (billions!), and are often observed to hamper the movements of vessels in the ocean. The water inlets of the vessels get clogged up, and have to be cleared of masses of dead jellyfish on a regular basis for the vessels' efficient operation.

Decrease in rainfall has lead to increase in water salinity, further leading to a thriving jellyfish population. Increase in jellyfish population is a sign of an upset marine ecosystem. The effects of global warming are seen here as well. This grave indicator should not be ignored, and appropriate action to stop global warming must be taken.