Jellyfish are amazing creatures that live in oceans all over the world. They have a unique look with their umbrella-shaped bodies and long, flowing tentacles. Even though they are called “jellyfish,” they are not actually fish! In this article, we’ll learn about what makes jellyfish special, how they sting, and what to do if you ever meet one.
Jellyfish are mostly made of water—about 95% of their body is water! They have a see-through, jelly-like substance called mesoglea. Unlike fish, jellyfish don’t have bones or gills. Instead, they are invertebrates, which means they don’t have a backbone. They breathe by absorbing oxygen directly from the water through their skin.
Jellyfish have special stinging cells called nematocysts, mainly on their tentacles. Some jellyfish even have these cells on their bodies. Nematocysts are like tiny, venomous harpoons. When something touches a jellyfish, these cells shoot out their harpoons to protect the jellyfish or catch food.
A jellyfish sting happens super fast—in just a millionth of a second! When a jellyfish’s tentacle touches something, the stinging cells pop open, and water rushes in. This pressure makes the harpoon shoot out and sting whatever touched it.
If you get stung by a jellyfish, it’s important to act quickly. Use tweezers to carefully remove any tentacles stuck to your skin. Rinse the sting with vinegar, which can help stop the stingers from firing more venom. Some people suggest using salt water, but experts don’t all agree on this.
Important Note: Don’t use fresh water, as it can make the sting worse. Also, don’t pee on the sting, as it can cause more harm.
Most jellyfish stings cause pain, red marks, itching, or tingling. These are usually not serious. However, some jellyfish, like the box jellyfish, have very dangerous stings. If you get stung by one of these, get medical help right away.
To avoid jellyfish stings, swim in areas where lifeguards can warn you about jellyfish. Always be aware of your surroundings in the water.
Did you know that jellyfish have been around for at least 500 million years? That’s even older than dinosaurs! The largest jellyfish, the lion’s mane jellyfish, can have tentacles up to 120 feet long—longer than a blue whale!
Jellyfish are incredible creatures that are important to ocean life. By understanding how they live and how to handle stings, you can stay safe while enjoying the ocean. Always respect these amazing animals and be careful when swimming in their home.
Jellyfish Observation Journal: Next time you visit the beach or an aquarium, take a small notebook with you. Observe any jellyfish you see and write down your observations. What colors do you notice? How do they move? Do you see any tentacles? Draw a picture of the jellyfish you observe. If you can’t visit the beach or an aquarium, watch a video about jellyfish and do the same activity.
Jellyfish Craft: Create your own jellyfish using simple materials like paper plates, yarn, and markers. Use a paper plate for the body and yarn for the tentacles. As you create your jellyfish, think about how their bodies are mostly made of water and how they use their tentacles to catch food. Share your jellyfish with your family and explain what you’ve learned about these fascinating creatures.
Think About It: Imagine you are a jellyfish living in the ocean. What challenges might you face? How would you protect yourself from predators? Write a short story or draw a comic strip about a day in the life of a jellyfish. Consider how they use their stinging cells to catch food and defend themselves.
