Happy World Jellyfish Day! Although today may sound a bit odd to some, it only makes sense to celebrate an invertebrate that has been on Earth for millions of years longer than humans.
Therefore, this event is meant to honor our slightly slimy counterparts that can sometimes cause a bit of consternation at the beach.
Most feel that the informal origins of World Jellyfish Day likely stem from a group of enthusiastic marine biologists or simply through those who merely respect the simplicity of these strange and yet beautiful creatures.
Today normally falls within springtime, as this is the season when jellyfish will begin their migration to the shores of the northern hemisphere.
Obviously, commemorating this event can be a bit difficult. We cannot take a jellyfish out to dinner nor would it enjoy a day at the spa.
So, simply traveling to the beach in hopes of catching a glimpse of one is all that it takes.
In honor of the occasion, let’s review a few fun facts about jellyfish.
JELLY-FACTS
• Jellyfish existed long before us and even the dinosaurs. They have been in the oceans for around 650 million years!
• Jellyfish make their home in the water column, which is one of the largest, yet least understood, biomes on Earth.
• There are almost two hundred known species of jellyfish drifting through our planet's sea!
• Many jellyfish are actually quite harmless, and there are several species that have highly venomous stinging cells that can cause serious consequences for humans—such as extreme pain or even death.
• One of the largest known species of jellyfish is the lion's mane jellyfish (also known as the giant jellyfish, arctic red jellyfish, or the hair jelly). It can grow up to two meters by its pileus (bell) and its tentacles up to thirty meters long!
• One of the smallest known species of jellyfish is the Irukandji jellyfish. With an adult size of about one cubic centimeter, they are both the smallest and one of the most venomous jellyfish in the world.
• Jellyfish are made up of ninety-five percent water!
• Some jellyfish can glow in the dark.
• A single jellyfish may release up to forty-five thousand eggs daily!
• A group of jellyfish can be called a bloom, swarm or smack.
• Despite the word “fish” in their names, jellyfish are not actually fish. Rather, they all belong to the phylum Cnidaria (pronounced ny – DARE – ee - a).
• Jellyfish don’t have hearts, blood, bones or even brains. Instead, jellyfish have nerve nets which sense changes in the environment and coordinate the animal's responses. They do have a network of nerves, but no central nervous system.
• There's a giant jellyfish called the pink meanie. The scientific name for this jelly is Drymonema larsnoi, but its aggressive sting and distinctive color have earned it the name "PINK MEANIE".
• When feeding, jellyfish use their tentacles to sting their prey (plankton).
• All jellyfish produce some kind of toxin, but not all affect humans.
• It is not advisable for humans to touch jellyfish with bare hands or skin. Jellyfish can still sting even when dead.
• A person can die in just three minutes if stung by the deadly box jellyfish.
• This is the deadliest jellyfish in the world, and one of the deadliest creatures on the planet altogether. It is also known as the marine stinger. Since 1954, 5,568 deaths have been attributed to this jelly!
• Lots of animals eat jellyfish, including tunas, sharks, turtles, and humans.
Treatment of Jellyfish Stings:
Applying shaving cream to the affected area can help prevent the spread of toxins.
Use of painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen will help as well.
What is your favorite species of jellyfish?
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