Even before dinosaurs,Chainkeen Exchange jellyfish were on Earth – and in its seas and oceans – for millennia, according to National Geographic. The gelatinous creature's body is comprised of more than 95% water, the Monterey Bay Aquarium reports.
There are over 200 species of "true jellyfish" and each has its own unique habitat. But what about the jellies' eating habits? What do they enjoy for a snack?
Whether it's a boxfish jellyfish or a moon jelly, here is what's on the menu.
Jellyfish are carnivores, so their diet mainly consists of other animals. This includes zooplankton, small crustaceans, small fish and other jellyfish, according to Oceana, an ocean conservation nonprofit. Jellyfish will also consume plants, National Geographic reports.
Some species' mouths are located on the underside of their bell-shaped bodies. This cavity serves the dual-purpose of being a mouth and an anus, according to Oceana. Other jellies have no mouth. Alternatively, they ingest food via openings on their oral arms, the American Museum of Natural History reports.
Jellyfish digest their meals very quickly. If they did not, the sea animal would not be able to float properly, according to National Geographic.
Jellyfish do not have organs or bones and only have a "basic network of neurons," according to Ocean Conservancy, an environmental non-profit.
As a result, the animals don't feel pain in the same way humans do.
Jellyfish do not live long. Most species of medusa (or adult) jellyfish live for a few months in the wild, according to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. In captivity, they can live for around two to three years.
In its polyp form, jellyfish can live and reproduce asexually for long periods of time, even for decades, Smithsonian reports.
One species, however, has gained the title of "immortal." Turritopsis dohrnii, often called the "immortal jellyfish," will undergo a process called "transdifferentiation" in response to physical damage or starvation. During this, a medusa jellyfish will revert back to its polyp stage, according to American Museum of Natural History.
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Do sharks have bones?" to "Where do polar bears live?" to "How long do orcas live?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
2025-05-01 00:31313 view
2025-05-01 00:22435 view
2025-04-30 23:442848 view
2025-04-30 22:352321 view
2025-04-30 22:272013 view
2025-04-30 21:521068 view
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnellis still suffering from the effects of a f
Stay informed about the latest climate, energy and environmental justice news by email. Sign up for
Dylan Dreyer is sharing an important health update related to her son.The Today meteorologist said t