Jellyfish are fascinating marine creatures that have been drifting through Earth’s oceans for over 500 million years. These gelatinous animals belong to the phylum Cnidaria and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Despite their delicate appearance, jellyfish are efficient predators, using specialized tentacles lined with stinging cells called nematocysts to capture prey.
Some species, like the tiny but deadly box jellyfish, possess venom powerful enough to harm humans, while others, such as the moon jelly, are harmless. Jellyfish thrive in oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Interestingly, the Turritopsis dohrnii, known as the “immortal jellyfish,” can revert to its juvenile stage, essentially escaping death.
Due to climate change and overfishing, jellyfish populations are rising in some areas, disrupting marine ecosystems. Despite their simplicity—having no brain, heart, or bones—jellyfish play a crucial role in oceanic food chains, making them vital to marine biodiversity.
