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Jellyfish are neither jelly nor fish. Jellyfish lack backbones, heart,
blood, brain, or gills and, in fact, are over 95% water. Jellyfish
possess stinging cells located on the tentacles and other body parts.
Jellyfish usually just drift with the ocean currents, but occasionally
swim by pulsing their umbrella or bell. Even jellyfish that
have washed ashore should not be handled, since the stinging cells may
still fire. The stings of some jellyfish can be quite painful, causing
reactions ranging from mild rashes to death (in extreme allergic-reaction
instances.) Although feared by swimmers, most jellyfish are harmless
to human beings.
More information
Jellyfish
drifters from the National Aquarium
Marine Aquarium
Design in Los Angeles
Jellyfish
trivia
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