25 Glorious Public Domain Pics of Jellyfish

Jellyfish may scare the heck out of beach bums of the world, but they are actually an interesting subject. Always slimy and sometimes colorful, jellyfish are fascinating and complex creatures of the ocean. They have a lot more going on than you might think.

Did you know that:

If there’s an ocean, then there’s a jellyfish. These creatures are present in every ocean in the world. They are such water babies, some are even found in freshwater ponds and lakes.

The size of jellyfish varies. Some are as tiny as a thimble while others grow into eight-foot jellies with tentacles as long as two blue whales.

It’s a popular belief that one way to cure a jellyfish sting is through urine. Even F.R.I.E.N.D.S had an episode about the subject. But medically speaking, neuroscientists state that urine is an ineffective remedy. In the event of a jelly sting, they recommend getting out of the water immediately. The affected area must also be washed with salt water (never fresh water) as it will neutralize the stinging cells. To remove the cells, use an ID card, a credit card, or anything resembling the cards in shape and form.

Jellyfish don’t have a brain and a heart. They don’t even have ears, legs, feet, head or bones. They breathe through their thin skin. About 95% of their body is water. It’s also worth noting that even though they don’t have a brain, jellyfish have an open nervous system with receptors that sense the vibrations, chemicals, and light in the water.

Even if a tentacle is separated from the jellyfish’s body, it can still sting. Also, a dead jellyfish can still sting.

One of the smallest jellyfish in the world is called the creeping jellyfish. It is only 0.5 mm – give or take – in diameter. Another tiny jellyfish is the Australian Irukandji. This extremely exotic jellyfish is only the size of a fingernail. Alternatively, the largest jellyfish in the world are the Nomura’s jellyfish, Lion’s mane jellyfish and the Stygiomedusa gigantea, which has only been seen 17 times in the last century.

The lifespan of jellyfish varies from just a few hours to several months. Those who live in aquariums often live longer than those that are in the wild.

Contrary to their name, jellyfish are not fish. They are planktons.

Enjoy jellyfish without the sting with this amazing collection of jellyfish photos.