Invertebrates
Sea Jellies
Other Common Name(s)
Jellyfish
Body Weight
Depending on species, some may exceed 200 kg
Body Length
The largest species, lion’s mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), can have tentacles reaching about 36m. The tiniest species are less than 2cm long.
Habitat
Ocean
Diet
Plankton, fish, crustaceans and other sea jellies
Fun Facts
Sea jellies appeared before dinosaurs. They have been living on Earth for over 650 million years.
The tentacles of sea jellies are used for feeding and defense. With cells containing barbs and venom, these body structures can sting and kill their prey. One of the most venomous species, sea wasps (Chironex fleckeri), can poison a human to death in a few minutes.
Distribution
Found globally in all oceans from tropical to polar waters
