What are moon jellies?

Moon jellies are a species of jellyfish found in oceans around the world. They have a translucent bell-shaped body and short, delicate tentacles. Despite their appearance, they are harmless to humans and are often seen as gentle and mesmerizing creatures in the sea.


Here are some rare and fascinating facts about moon jellies:

1. ELASTIC UMBRELLA
Moon jellies possess a unique jelly-like substance in their umbrella-shaped body that allows them to stretch and contract, making them resilient and flexible in their oceanic adventures.

2. PREHISTORIC SURVIVORS
Moon jellies belong to a group of animals that appeared on Earth even before the dinosaurs, making them ancient mariners of the seas.

3. QUANTUM SENSING: Researchers have found that moon jellies use quantum physics to navigate the Earth’s magnetic fields, helping them find their way through vast ocean distances.

4. SHAPESHIFTING STRATEGY:
When facing a scarcity of food, moon jellies can adjust their body size by shrinking their bells, thus conserving energy during challenging times.

5. LIVING IN HARMONY
In some areas, moon jellies share a symbiotic relationship with small fish species. The fish find shelter among their tentacles, while the jellyfish benefit from the fish’s cleaning services.

6. CIRCULAR MOVEMENT
While swimming, moon jellies exhibit a fascinating movement pattern called “pulsing.” This rhythmic contraction and expansion propel them through the water gracefully.

7. BIOREMEDIATION PIONEERS: Moon jellies can contribute to cleaning marine environments since they consume large amounts of plankton and detritus, helping maintain the ecosystem’s balance.

8. THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL: Certain compounds found in moon jellies have shown promise in medical research, with potential applications in treatments for cancer and other diseases.