• About us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
Storyfull
  • People
  • Animals
  • World
No Result
View All Result
For the most extraordinary stories
Storyfull
  • People
  • Animals
  • World
Storyfull
No Result
View All Result

Everything You Should Know About Jellyfish

domains-admin by domains-admin
8 September 2020
in Animals
0
jellyfish
23
SHARES
458
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Pinterest

The marine life is quite diverse, with various species being discovered regularly. Did you know that we haven’t explored more than 80% of the oceans and we don’t always know what happens down there?

The little we know about life in the oceans has given us slight knowledge of how marine life works. Jellyfish are part of this exotic marine life. There is more to these sea creatures than meets the eye.

There are approximately 2000 species of jellyfish known to man, although there is a probability there could be more than 300000. The species will vary based on size, color, and body build. Here are some details that can help you understand jellyfish better.

Life Cycle

jellyfishSource: Shutterstock

The life cycle of a jellyfish is quite sophisticated since reproduction takes place both sexually and asexually. The reproduction stage of a jellyfish is known as medusa. Adults release eggs and sperms which are released into the water. The eggs are fertilized and develop into larvae planula.

Early Development

The larva will swim in search of a place to settle. Once the larvae planula finds a suitable site, it will settle there where it develops to a polyp. The polyp does not have any motor functions and will float freely in the water or dwell at the sea bottom or attached to little vegetation. The polyps are usually millimeters in size.

Maturity and Reproduction

The polyp then reproduces asexually through cell division, a process called budding. The polyp then develops tentacles that are reabsorbed into the body as the body starts narrowing down. The polyp then develops into a medusa, which is identified as an adult jellyfish.

Lifespan

jellyfishSource: Shutterstock

There is little knowledge about how long jellyfish can live. Some species have recorded to be immortal due to their ability to transform from medusa back to the polyp. This reversal helps the medusa to avoid threats that would lead make the jellyfish prey.

Movement

Jellyfish have been proven to be among the most efficient swimmers in the animal kingdom. They move through the expansion and contraction of muscles on their umbrella-shaped bodies, thus pushing water behind. This mechanism enables them to move efficiently through water without consuming a lot of food or oxygen. Their body contractions and expansion enables them to save on energy spent in movement.

Food

Jellyfish are generally predatory or parasitic. Amazingly, the biggest threat to jellyfish is other jellyfish. Most of the time, jellyfish feed on small fish, fish eggs, larvae, or crustaceans. Their swimming technique also helps them to hunt their prey since the umbrella-like bodies will expand to suck in water. This movement enables them to reach the victim with their tentacles easily.

Hunting and symbiosis

jellyfishSource: Shutterstock

The tentacles contain a neurotoxin that helps them to paralyze or kill their prey. There are a few other species of jellyfish that feed on planktons.

 Most jellyfish species have a symbiotic relationship with other forms of marine life. There are some small fish that are not susceptible to jellyfish stings and may live among the tentacles. They act as bait that helps the jellyfish get its next meal.

Natural Habitats

Most jellyfish inhabit the sea. There are very few species that live in freshwater. You will find most jellyfish at the bottom of the sea or shallow lagoons.

Fun Facts about Jellyfish

jellyfishSource: Shutterstock

Yet, there are more surprising facts that make these sea creatures more fascinating. Here are a few additional details that you’ll find remarkable about jellyfish.

  • Jellyfish aren’t a type of fish. They don’t have a backbone structure and are made up of specialized membranes, which helps them absorb oxygen from the water. Their anatomy consists of mostly water and tissues.
  • Jellyfish have no brain. Jellyfish neither have a respiratory system as they absorb oxygen through special membranes. Their bodies are approximately 95% water.
  • A group of jellyfish is known as a smack.
  • A jellyfish can regenerate lost parts.
  • Jellyfish are considered immortal. This fact is because they are known to morph backward and return to their polyp stage.
  • Some jellyfish are eaten and are a delicacy in some countries.
  • Collagen can be harvested from jellyfish and used for several medical purposes such as treatment of arthritis.
  • Most jellyfish stings are not fatal. However, stings from some box jellyfish can be fatal. The stings can lead to severe allergic reactions that lead to lethal shock.
  • A jellyfish is called medusa. It’s the name of a goddess in Greek mythology.
  • A jellyfish’s mouth also functions as an anus.

Conservation status

jellyfishSource: Shutterstock

Jellyfish has thousands of species, which may range based on anatomy, size, and habitat. A good number of jellyfish are, therefore, not endangered. In some countries, jellyfish are harvested for food. Additionally, they are utilized to obtain collagen, a protein used for various medical applications.

Previous Post

How the Weather Can Affect Your Mood

Next Post

Aim High: the Development of Electric Planes

Related Posts

Orca
Animals

The Grieving Orca of 2018 Gives Birth to a New Calf

25 February 2021
harlequin toad
Animals

Ecuador’s Mindo Harlequin Toad Not Extinct After All

27 August 2020
calico cats
Animals

The science behind why calico cats are female

27 August 2020
Can Animals Think Like We Do?
Animals

Can Animals Think Like We Do?

4 August 2020
axolotl
Animals

Amazing Creatures: The Axolotl

19 July 2020
world of insects
Animals

Why Insects Are Essential For Our Ecosystem

10 July 2020
Next Post
electric planes

Aim High: the Development of Electric Planes

Popular Categories

  • Animals
  • People
  • World

Recent Posts

  • Meet the 10 Most Inspiring People of 2022: From Malala Yousafzai to Oprah Winfrey, These Individuals are Making a Difference in the World
  • Inspiring Stories of Healthcare Frontliners Fighting COVID-19
  • The Grieving Orca of 2018 Gives Birth to a New Calf
  • Fun Quarantine Bucket List Ideas to Try During the Pandemic
  • Here’s What You Need to Know About Face Mask Recognition

Advertisement

Storyfull

© Storyfull.net - For the most extraordinary stories

  • About us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer

Follow us

No Result
View All Result
  • Categories
    • People
    • World
    • Animals
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer