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What is sea jelly?

Published in Marine Invertebrates 1 min read

Sea jellies are marine animals belonging to a specific group of invertebrates.

Understanding Sea Jellies

Sea jellies, often mistakenly called "jellyfish" (as they are not fish), are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics. They are members of the phylum Cnidaria (pronounced nigh-DARE-ee-uh). One well-known class within this phylum is Scyphozoa.

Key Features

  • Body Structure: Sea jellies typically possess bell-shaped bodies.
  • Tentacles: They have tentacles or oral arms used for capturing prey.
  • Classification: They belong to the phylum Cnidaria and, more specifically, the class Scyphozoa, which includes the most familiar types.

Scientific Classification Summary

Feature Description
Phylum Cnidaria
Class (Example) Scyphozoa (includes common bell-shaped sea jellies)
Characteristics Bell-shaped body, tentacles or oral arms

In summary, sea jellies are invertebrates classified within the phylum Cnidaria, with many familiar species belonging to the class Scyphozoa. These animals are characterized by their bell-shaped bodies and the presence of tentacles or oral arms.