The Mystery Of The Jellyfish

There are 2,000 species of jellyfish and many have unusual names, like the upside down jellies, the moon jellyfish, the tiny umbrellas, and the West coast and East coast nettles - National Aquarium, Baltimore.

From close observation, it may look like an alien or rather an alien looks like a jelly fish!

The jellyfish has no heart, bones, eyes or brain, is made up of 95% water, and yet is still a remarkably efficient ocean predator!

There are two ways in which jellyfish move through the water. Some swim, using jet propulsion, and some attach themselves by a stalk to other material, such as seaweed.
Both types are referred to as zooplankton (animal drifters), because their movement is strongly influenced by the ocean’s current.

Even jellyfish capable of jet propulsion are not strong enough swimmers to counter the power of the current and waves.

This marine creature measures up to 20 cm along each side of its cubed bell and has as many as 15 tentacles on each ‘corner’, which can be 3 m (10 ft) in length.

Each of these tentacles can have as many as 5,000 stinging cells.

There is little chance of a person surviving the venomous sting of the box jellyfish, unless they are treated immediately.

The pain is so excruciating and overwhelming that victims can go into shock and drown before reaching the shore.

The image evoked by the word "jellyfish" is usually the transparent, umbrella-shaped animal with ribbony tentacles fringing its rim.

Many species do fit this body form, which is called "medusa" because of its resemblance to the snake-haired Gorgon Medusa of Greek myth.

Jellyfish exhibit astounding diversity. Even within the basic body form, they differ markedly in shape, size, color, and other attributes.

Jellyfish stings can be serious, but are seldom fatal. Usually symptoms include a burning sensation

If you are stung by a jellyfish:

Immediately alert the lifeguard on duty, who is trained in first aid and can call for assistance if necessary.

Brush off any tentacles using an object, do not use your hands unless you are wearing gloves.

Pour vinegar over the wound to disable the stinging cells. If vinegar is not available, rinse the wound with sea water or saline solution. (Research suggests that this may reduce the chance of the cells continuing to sting, as compared to rinsing the wound with fresh water.)

Ice the area to minimize pain.