When we swim in oceans or waters around the world, we sometimes encounter jellyfish, which appear transparent.

But can jellyfish survive out of water? Today, let's uncover the characteristics and features of jellyfish.

Let's dive in!

1. Jellyfish are invertebrates, meaning they have no skeletons. They are not fish, scientists estimate that there may be as many as 300,000 jellyfish species yet to be discovered.

2. Globally, around 150 million people come into contact with jellyfish each year. In Florida, about 200,000 people are stung annually, while around 500,000 people are stung in the Chesapeake Bay area each year.

3. Jellyfish have inhabited the world's waters for over 650 million years, appearing even before dinosaurs, making them the oldest multi-organ animals.

4. Jellyfish are composed of over 95% water. If removed from water, they will die immediately. Even dead jellyfish can sting. Their stings are typically mild but can cause itchy red rashes. Jellyfish kill more people annually than sharks.

5. Different jellyfish reproduce in different ways; some shoot eggs out of their mouths for external fertilization, while others hold the eggs in their mouths until they develop enough to survive independently.

6. There are over 400 marine dead zones worldwide, and jellyfish are one of the few organisms capable of adapting to these zones. Many scientists attribute the spread of jellyfish to environmental stressors, including climate change, pollution, overfishing, and dams.

7. Jellyfish tend to stay near the water's surface, where sunlight is abundant. They often appear colorless, while jellyfish swimming deeper in the water tend to be red, purple, green, or yellow.

8. Jellyfish lack a brain, heart, ears, head, feet, legs, or bones, but they breathe through their thin skin.

9. Jellyfish digest food quickly, making it difficult for them to float in the water if they carry a lot of food in their bodies.

10. Each jellyfish tentacle contains thousands of stinging cells, and their lifespans range from a few hours to several months.

11. In several places worldwide, jellyfish are considered a delicacy. For example, in Malaysia, hundreds of tons of jellyfish are consumed annually for $15 per pound, making it a multimillion-dollar industry.

12. The deadliest and most venomous marine creature is the box jellyfish. In Australia, an average of one person is killed by a box jellyfish each year. In other parts of the world, such as Indonesia and Thailand, box jellyfish may kill up to 100 people annually.

13. Every ocean in the world has jellyfish, and they even appear in some freshwater lakes and ponds. Many neurosurgeons advise that common remedies are ineffective against jellyfish stings. Instead, the best practice is to rinse with saltwater. Saltwater deactivates the sting cells, while freshwater or tap water reactivates them.

While jellyfish play crucial roles in our oceans and waters, interacting with them requires caution and respect. Understanding their characteristics and behavior helps us coexist better with these ancient and mysterious creatures. Protecting marine environments, reducing pollution, and curbing overfishing are key to preserving jellyfish and their ecosystems. Additionally, timely and proper treatment is essential for those unfortunate enough to be stung by jellyfish.

Through scientific research and public education, we can better understand and protect our shared home on Earth and the life within it.