Jellyfish may not be endangered, but they’re critical to marine biodiversity. So what makes this species with no brain, heart, bones, or eyes so unique? Find out.
Did you know?
- Jellyfish have been around for a long time — longer than dinosaurs! They're the oldest multicellular animals on the planet.
- Over 2,000 species of jellyfish have been discovered. But scientists think there could be thousands more, estimating there might be close to 300,000 different kinds.
- Some species of jellyfish only live for a few hours, but one is thought to be “immortal.” If a Turritopsis dohrnii becomes injured, starved, too hot, or too cold, it can reverse back to its polyp stage (a stage of life before becoming an adult).
- Unlike other jellyfish, box jellyfish have eyes. 24 of them, actually! This gives them 360-degree vision.
- The lion’s mane jellyfish are the longest animals on the planet, even longer than blue whales. Their tentacles can grow up to 36m (118 feet) in length.
- Jellyfish play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by serving as both predators and prey, helping to regulate populations of other marine organisms and contributing to nutrient cycling in the ocean.
