Medusa (Gr.)

The jellyfish is a free-swimming stage in the life cycle of some coelenterates and has a unique and beautiful umbrella shape. Symbolizing the beauty and mystery of the marine world, jellyfish are among the most recognizable and amazing creatures living in the oceans and seas.

Jellyfish belong to a phylum of animals known as jellyfish. They belong to the cnidarian phylum and are in the same subphylum with corals and hydra. A characteristic feature of jellyfish is their stinging power, which is caused by the presence of thread-like cells known as nidocytes. These cells contain flagella that can secrete toxic substances that serve as a defense mechanism and a means of hunting prey.

Visually, jellyfish look like an elegant umbrella floating in the water. They have a transparent body, which often has a variety of colors from delicate white to bright purple. Some species of jellyfish can be luminous, creating spectacular light effects in the dark depths of the ocean. Their tentacles, located at the bottom of the umbrella, are often decorated with long, thin bristles called flagella, which serve to capture food and protect themselves.

Jellyfish have excellent adaptability to various marine conditions and are distributed throughout the world. They can be found both in coastal waters and at a depth of several thousand meters. Some species prefer warm tropical waters, while others have adapted to cold arctic regions.

Jellyfish feed on a wide variety of organisms, including small fish, shrimp and plankton. They use their flagella to capture prey and then move it to the lips located on the underside of the umbrella. The food is then digested in the digestive cavity, which also serves as the main site of waste elimination.

Although jellyfish are a beautiful sight and an amazing display of nature, some of them can be dangerous to humans. Some types of jellyfish have a strong sting that can cause painful stings or even serious burns. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when in waters where jellyfish live.

Jellyfish are amazing creatures of the sea world that attract attention with their beauty and mystery. Their umbrella shape and graceful movement in the water make them truly unique. They have a burning power and can be dangerous to people, but at the same time they are an important part of the ocean ecosystem. Researching jellyfish helps us better understand and conserve this amazing diversity of marine life.