WORLD JELLYFISH DAY
On November 3rd, World Jellyfish Day celebrates this invertebrate that has been on Earth for millions of years. The day also encourages us to learn more about these unique aquatic animals.
Despite its name, the jellyfish isn’t actually a fish. This is because a fish’s anatomy centers around its spine. A jellyfish, on the other hand, doesn’t even have a spine. In fact, jellyfish don’t have gills, a brain, heart, bones, or blood. Instead, a jellyfish is made up of 95 percent water. They also have skin, through which they absorb oxygen. The body of the jellyfish is called a bell. A jellyfish swims by contracting and relaxing the muscles around this bell. Their tentacles contain stingers, which protect them from prey.
Jellyfish Facts
- Some jellyfish can still sting after they are dead.
- Jellyfish are older than dinosaurs and have been around for over 500 million years.
- Nearly 2,500 jellyfish polyps made their way to space aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 1991.
- Some jellyfish tentacles measure 10 feet long and contain 5,000 stinging cells.
- Jellyfish are found in all five oceans.
- There are over 200 species of jellyfish and some of them are edible.
- A group of jellyfish is called a bloom, swarm, or smack.
- Jellyfish eat crabs, fish, and tiny plants and digest their food very quickly.
Some jellyfish are pink, yellow, blue, purple, and other vibrant colors. Jellyfish are usually luminescent, which makes them especially beautiful. If you spot one, don’t get too captivated by its beauty. If you do, you may be in danger of getting stung. Some jellyfish stings are very painful, but others can be deadly. This is especially true of the box jellyfish. This type of jellyfish is usually found in Australia, the Philippines, and the central Pacific Ocean. If you do happen to get stung by a jellyfish, rinse the affected area with vinegar. You can also try to pluck the tentacles from the skin with tweezers.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldJellyfishDay
On this day, aquariums all around the world host special jellyfish exhibits. It’s also a day for marine biologists and aquarists to educate the general public about this unique invertebrate. To participate:
- Besides jellyfish, name other kinds of animals that are invertebrates.
- Check out the jellyfish exhibit at your local zoo or aquarium.
- Read a book that features jellyfish to your kids, such as Peanut Butter and Jellyfish, Spencer and Vincent, The Jellyfish Brothers, or I Am Not a Fish!
- Watch the documentary, Vicious Beauties: The Secret Life of the Jellyfish.
Find a photo or video of jellyfish and share it on social media with #WorldJellyfishDay.
WORLD JELLYFISH DAY HISTORY
World Jellyfish Day has been observed on November 3rd since 2014.