Jellyfish

Jellyfish are fascinating creatures that float through the ocean. They have been around for over 500 million years, even before dinosaurs! Jellyfish do not have brains, hearts, or bones. Their bodies are about 95 percent water.

Stinging Tentacles

Most jellyfish have long tentacles covered in tiny stinging cells. They use these to catch fish and shrimp. Some jellyfish stings can be painful to humans. The box jellyfish is one of the most venomous creatures on Earth.

Drifting Through the Sea

Jellyfish cannot really swim. They drift with ocean currents and move by squeezing their bell-shaped bodies. Some jellyfish glow in the dark. A group of jellyfish is called a smack. They come in many sizes, from tiny to over 6 feet across.

Fun Facts

• The lion's mane jellyfish can have tentacles over 100 feet long.
• Some jellyfish can glow in the dark.
• Leatherback sea turtles love to eat jellyfish.

Did You Know?

There is a species called the immortal jellyfish that can actually reverse its aging process and become young again! Scientists are studying it to learn more about aging.