Jellyfish are spectacular creatures, with an exuberant beauty and a look that sometimes looks more alien than earthling. These animals don’t have brains, blood or hearts, but they are still as fascinating as any other creature you can list out there.
Each species varies greatly in size, color, shape and behavior, the which gives an even greater charm to each of them — not to mention that many species are still being discovered. Curious to know more about them? See just six of the most spectacular and beautiful species of jellyfish in the world!
1. Crowned Jellyfish
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Crowned Jellyfish (Cephea cephea) is also constantly called cauliflower jellyfish because of the different wart-shaped projections in the region of its tentacles. They are mainly found in the middle of the Pacific, Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
This is a relatively large species compared to other jellyfish, reaching up to 60 centimeters in length.
two. Crystal Jellyfish
( Source: Wikimedia Commons)
In the waters off the west coast of North America, a beautiful creature calls attention of researchers: the crystal jellyfish (Aequorea victoria), as it is called in the region. This species stands out for being completely colorless and having very thin and long tentacles, which look like threads of glass.
During daylight, these creatures are completely crystalline. However, this hides one of their most fascinating characteristics: they are also bioluminescent, which means that they take on a bluish-green glow when disturbed.
3. Black Sea Nettle
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Black Sea Nettle (Chrysaora achlyos) is a species of jellyfish with a very reddish color, like many other inhabitants of the sea floor. This rich color allows them to mix with dark water without being easily spotted by potential predators.
This species is quite common in the depths of the Pacific, especially the area near southern California. The black sea nettle’s bell can reach 90 centimeters in diameter, while its tentacles reach up to 6 meters in length.
4. Mediterranean Jellyfish
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Also called fried egg jellyfish, the water -living from the Mediterranean (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) arouses everyone’s interest precisely because it looks like an egg floating in water. Its yellow bell is surrounded by a ring of a lighter color, which can often look like the yolk of an egg.
Despite being an extremely intriguing and unique species, these amazing animals only live for about six months, mainly in the period between summer and winter. As soon as the water gets cold, their bodies can’t take it and perish.
5. Narcomedusae
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
No nickname around the world, the Narcomedusae constantly has its scientific name shortened to just “Narcos”. This is a rather unusual-looking species of jellyfish, even possessing a dozen or more stomach pouches.
In order for these bags to be kept full, she needs to swim holding her long, poison-filled tentacles in front of her. According to scientists, this is also a function that helps ambush prey more effectively.
6. Purple Striped Jellyfish
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The purple-striped jellyfish is a mostly found off the coast of California, specifically in Monterey Bay. Its bell grows up to 70 centimeters in diameter and its sting is extremely painful for humans. However, they are rarely fatal.
This is a jellyfish that draws a lot of attention from researchers because there is not much knowledge about its eating habits. With a mostly white body, this animal has some purple streaks along its bell — a characteristic that gave rise to its name.
