Jellyfish are between 85% and 98% water. Only about 5% percent of jellyfish bodies contain proteins, muscles, and nerve cells. With a smooth, bag-like body and stinging tentacles, they don’t have a heart, lungs or a brain. Their insides are jelly and don’t have cells.
Graceful and nearly transparent, jellies absorb the oxygen in water straight through their skin. Their outer layer of skin is sensitive to touch and responds to changes in the environment. By squirting a jet of water from its mouth, the jellyfish can propel forward on ocean currents. Some of these elegant beauties are bioluminescent and produce their own light.
This simple invertebrate plays a vital role in ocean ecosystems. Jellyfish serve as an entry point for microplastics in the ocean food chain. I’m convinced these elegant beauties will transform future marine conservation efforts.
- Collections: Medusae