Current:Home > MarketsIndexbit-What do jellyfish eat? Understanding the gelatinous sea creature's habits. -FinTechWorld
Indexbit-What do jellyfish eat? Understanding the gelatinous sea creature's habits.
Benjamin Ashford View
Date:2025-04-11 01:47:06
Even before dinosaurs,Indexbit 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.
What do jellyfish eat?
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.
Do jellyfish feel pain?
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.
What is the lifespan of the jellyfish?
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.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
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.
veryGood! (3718)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- More than 300 Americans have left Gaza in recent days, deputy national security adviser says
- ‘Extraterrestrials’ return to Mexico’s congress as journalist presses case for ‘non-human beings’
- Georgia’s state taxes at fuel pumps suspended until Nov. 29, when lawmakers start special session
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- To help 2024 voters, Meta says it will begin labeling political ads that use AI-generated imagery
- Japan’s Nintendo is developing a live-action film based on its hit video game ‘The Legend of Zelda’
- Indonesia’ sentences another former minister to 15 years for graft over internet tower project
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- 7 injured in shooting at homecoming party near Prairie View A&M University: Police
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band announce 2024 stadium tour: How to get tickets
- Nevada judge tosses teachers union-backed petition to put A’s stadium funding on 2024 ballot
- Nia DaCosta makes her mark on Marvel history with ‘The Marvels’
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Prominent 22-year-old Palestinian protester Ahed Tamimi arrested by Israel on suspicion of inciting violence
- Governments plan more fossil fuel production despite climate pledges, report says
- Bill Self's new KU deal will make him highest-paid basketball coach ever at public college
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Mexico’s hurricane reconstruction plans prioritize military barracks, owners left to rebuild hotels
Dean McDermott Packs on the PDA With Lily Calo Amid Tori Spelling's New Romance
A series of powerful earthquakes shakes eastern Indonesia. No immediate reports of casualties
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Mary Fitzgerald Shares Update on Her and Romain Bonnet's Baby Journey After Septic Miscarriage
Chargers vs. Jets Monday Night Football highlights: LA climbs into AFC wild-card race
Meta failed to address harm to teens, whistleblower testifies as Senators vow action