Jellyfish

Jellyfish are unique sea creatures with soft, umbrella-like bodies and long tentacles. Despite being brainless, heartless, and boneless, these ancient fish have survived in the ocean for over 500 million years! Wondering how they do it? With the help of special cells on their tentacles, jellyfish can capture food and sense their surroundings—almost like they have eyes all over!

Did you know there are over 2,000 jellyfish types? From the common moon jelly to the rare lion’s mane, jellyfish species are diverse and come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Some can even glow in the dark through a process called bioluminescence, lighting up the ocean like stars! SEA LIFE Orlando is a great place to see and learn about these remarkable kinds of jellyfish.

Jellyfish can be found in every ocean on planet earth, from shallow tropical waters to the deepest, coldest parts of the sea! They float gracefully, drifting along with the ocean currents in search of food. Some kinds of jellyfish even thrive in lakes!

Wondering what jellyfish eat? These creatures are carnivores, feeding on small fish, plankton, and shrimp. Jellyfish use their tentacles to capture prey, which then moves up to their mouth—a process that happens quickly and smoothly. At SEA LIFE Orlando, you can see firsthand how these ocean drifters enjoy their meals!

Jellyfish have a unique and fascinating reproductive cycle. Some jellyfish species reproduce asexually, while others release eggs and sperm into the water to form larvae. These larvae then grow into polyps, which eventually release tiny jellyfish, or “medusae.” And check this out — some jellyfish, like the Turritopsis dohrnii, are considered “immortal” because they can reverse their life cycle!

Jellyfish come in all shapes and sizes, from the largest jellyfish like the Lion’s mane jellyfish, which can have tentacles over 100 feet long, to the small but deadly Irukandji box jellyfish, barely the size of a pea. The largest jellyfish are true giants of the ocean, and seeing one in person is unforgettable!

Jellyfish lifespan varies widely depending on the species. Some jellyfish live for only a few days, while others can survive for several years. And with certain species capable of reversing their life cycle, the question “are jellyfish immortal?” has intrigued scientists for years.

Although they have few natural predators, certain fish, sea turtles, and even other jellyfish species will prey on them. Jellyfish protect themselves with their stinging tentacles, making them difficult to eat. Jellyfish populations can be affected by environmental changes, but unlike many ocean creatures, they are highly resilient.

The jellyfish population is generally stable and even increasing due to factors like overfishing of predators, warming oceans, and pollution, which create perfect conditions for blooms of jellyfish to thrive. However, some freshwater jellyfish species, like the peach blossom jellyfish, are classed as vulnerable.

Jellyfish move by contracting and relaxing the muscles in their body (also known as a bell), which pushes water out and propels them forward. This gentle pulsing motion helps jellyfish drift gracefully through the water.

No, jellyfish don’t have hearts! In fact, they don’t have any organs like brains or lungs either. Their bodies are made up of 95% water, and they absorb oxygen directly from the water around them. Their simple, organless structure is what makes them so unique in the animal kingdom.

Jellyfish tentacles serve two main purposes: capturing food and defending against predators. Each tentacle is lined with specialized cells called nematocysts, which contain tiny stingers. When a jellyfish comes into contact with its prey, these stingers inject toxins, immobilizing the prey so the jellyfish can move it toward its mouth. These tentacles also help jellyfish protect themselves from threats in the ocean.

A group of jellyfish is called a smack or a bloom. Why not buy SEA LIFE Orlando tickets today and come meet our amazing smack of jellyfish?