Jellyfish
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Jellyfish drift gracefully through all the world’s oceans—from the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the icy depths of the Arctic. Their mesmerizing, undulating movements and delicate tentacles make them some of the most captivating marine creatures to observe.
Despite their beauty, jellyfish are surprisingly simple animals. They have no brains, blood, or hearts and are composed of about 95% water and only 5% solid matter. This unique structure allows them to move as if they are one with the currents, effortlessly navigating their aquatic environment.
Although typically associated with the ocean, some species of jellyfish can also be found in freshwater environments. These freshwater jellyfish are much smaller than their saltwater relatives and are completely harmless to humans. They add to the surprising diversity of life in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
It’s important to remember that while many jellyfish pose no threat, all jellyfish species have venomous tentacles—some so mild humans barely notice them, others capable of delivering painful or even dangerous stings. Species like the box jellyfish can be life-threatening, making it vital to understand the jellyfish native to any area where you’re diving or swimming. Wearing appropriate exposure protection is always recommended to reduce the risk of stings.