The Jellyfish.
Famous for it’s sting, the jellyfish is made up mostly of water, it’s got no heart, brain or bones.
Also known as jellies or sea jellies
Jellies swim by jet propulsion (much like a rocket). The jelly will expand then quickly contract its bell-shaped body, which forces water away from the body and pushes the jelly in the opposite direction.
Jellies have specialized stinging cells to help protect themselves against ocean predators like the sea turtle. Each of these cells contains a “nematocyst” which acts like a mini harpoon. When a jelly touches something the harpoon is released and injects toxin into whatever it hits.
Remember the harmless jellyfish swarm in the movie Finding Nemo? Well not all jellies sting, the clear ones are usually safe.
Did you know?
- A jellyfish is made up of 96% water, 3% protein and 1% minerals—humans are made up of 90% water when we’re born!
- Jellyfish have been swimming the earth’s oceans for over 650 million years! That’s longer than the dinosaurs.
- Jellies don’t have eyes either! They have organs called “rhopalia”. And the rhopalia have sensory organs called “statocysts” that help jelly’s balance. When a jelly tips too far to one side, the statocyst will turn him right side up.
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