One of the Ocean's Most Mysterious Creatures
Jellies are older than all of our ancient reptiles. Scientists believe they first swam in our oceans around 500 million years ago! There are more than 350 different species of jellies. At SEA LIFE Kansas City, you can see enchanting moon jellies!
The lion’s mane jellyfish is over two yards tall – that’s probably taller than you! Other jellies are as tiny as a pinhead. They can be found in all of our oceans and sometimes in freshwater too!
Jellies have venomous tentacles that they use to capture their prey. Most jellies are harmless to humans, but a few including the box jellyfish can cause a painful sting. Some species of baby fish are able to hide among a jelly's tentacles for protection!
Jellies have been around for more than 650 million years! That means they pre-date dinosaurs and sharks.
Jellies move like ghosts through the water. They swim around by contracting movements of their umbrella and float easily on the ocean's tides and currents.
Jellies have no nerves, no blood, no heart, no brain, and their bodies consist 95% of water!
