World Jellyfish Day 2023: Top 7 Facts You Need to Know About Jellyfish

World Jellyfish Day is celebrated on November 3rd to raise awareness about jellyfish and their importance in the marine ecosystem. Jellyfish are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a vital role in the food chain and help to keep the ocean healthy.

Jellyfish are gelatinous creatures that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They can be found in all of the world's oceans, from the surface to the deep sea. Some jellyfish are harmless, while others can have venomous stings.

Jellyfish are important members of the marine food chain. They eat plankton, which are tiny organisms that float in the water. Jellyfish are also eaten by many other marine animals, such as turtles, fish, and seabirds.

Jellyfish also help to keep the ocean healthy. They remove waste products from the water and they help to control the populations of other marine organisms.

What Is the History of World Jellyfish Day? 

World Jellyfish Day was founded in 2014 by a group of marine biologists who wanted to raise awareness about jellyfish and their importance in the marine ecosystem. The date of November 3rd was chosen because it is the birthday of Dr. Ernst Haeckel, a German biologist who made significant contributions to the study of jellyfish.

In the years since its founding, World Jellyfish Day has grown to become a global event. It is now celebrated by people all over the world who are passionate about jellyfish and their conservation.

What Is the Significance of World Jellyfish Day? 

World Jellyfish Day is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is an opportunity to raise awareness about jellyfish and their importance in the marine ecosystem. Jellyfish are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a vital role in the food chain and help to keep the ocean healthy.

Second, World Jellyfish Day is a chance to educate the public about the threats that jellyfish face. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are all major threats to jellyfish populations. By raising awareness about these threats, we can encourage people to take action to protect jellyfish and their habitats.

Third, World Jellyfish Day is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of jellyfish. Jellyfish come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are truly fascinating creatures, and World Jellyfish Day is a chance to appreciate them.

What are Some Interesting Facts About Jellyfish? 

Here are 7 interesting facts about jellyfish: 

• According to PETA, jellyfish are the oldest multi-organ animals on Earth, with a fossil record dating back at least 500 million years. This means that they predated the dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years!
• PETA mentioned that approximately 50% of jellyfish are bioluminescent, meaning they can produce light. The vibrant, colourful hues these animals emit when they glow in the dark aren’t accidental—they use this light to defend against predators and attract prey.
• According to the Marine Conservation Society, jellyfish don’t have a brain, heart or lungs. 
• Jellyfish are 95% water. 
• The Marine Conservation Society mentioned that smaller species of jellyfish only live for a few hours, while larger species like the lion's mane jellyfish can live for up to two years.
• Some jellyfish can biologically reverse their ageing process.
• According to the Marine Conservation Society, box jellyfish are highly advanced, unlike most species of jellyfish, which can only sense light. Box jellyfish have eyes and can see, with 24 eyes spread across all four sides of their bell, giving them 360-degree vision.