JELLYFISH: AN OVERVIEW
Jellyfish have inhabited the ocean for millions of years now. The first findings of these marine creatures date back to 160 million years ago, prior to the era of the dinosaurs. They live in both cold and warm ocean waters along coastlines and in deep water as well.
The jelly like bodies of these creatures comprise of nothing but skin and minimal nerves as well as salt, protein and a whopping 95% of water. No other organs make up the bodies of these free swimmers. To engage in movement, jellyfish squirt out water from their mouths which are located at the bottom of their bodies propelling them forward. This opening is used to consume food as well as discard waste. Jellyfish are classified as plankton (organisms that are light weight and cannot swim against a current) so they move along ocean currents in big groups known as blooms. Varying in appearance, some jellyfish are transparent and others range in colours like red, blue and green. These waterborne creatures are often luminescent as well, emitting light through a process known as bioluminescence. |
EATING HABITS
Jellyfish are omnivorous creatures. They feed on relatively small fish, shrimps, crabs and tiny aquatic plants.
Despite their rather unappealing composition, jellyfish are feasted on as well. Some of their main predators include sea turtles, blue rocket fish, salmon and many others. Humans indulge in jellyfish as well. For almost 1700 years these creatures have been a popular delicacy in China.
Despite their rather unappealing composition, jellyfish are feasted on as well. Some of their main predators include sea turtles, blue rocket fish, salmon and many others. Humans indulge in jellyfish as well. For almost 1700 years these creatures have been a popular delicacy in China.