Jellyfish are mysterious and beautiful creatures in the ocean, characterized by their unique shapes and physiological features.

Their existence not only enriches the marine ecosystem but also significantly impacts human life.

This article will introduce six common types of jellyfish.

1. Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)

Moon jellyfish are widely distributed and commonly found in warm seas. Their umbrella-shaped body is transparent, with tiny tentacles around the edges and four distinct gastric pouches in the center.

The color of moon jellyfish is usually blue or purple, appearing particularly beautiful at night. They feed on plankton and drift slowly in the water, mainly inhabiting nearshore areas.

2. Sea Nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha)

Sea nettles are jellyfish found in the western Atlantic, especially common along the eastern coast of the United States. Their umbrella-shaped body is yellow or brown, with long tentacles that have stinging cells used to capture small fish and plankton.

Sea nettles possess strong venom, which can cause discomfort to swimmers and, in some cases, allergic reactions. Therefore, understanding their habitat and behavioral characteristics is crucial for safe swimming.

3. Glass Jellyfish (Aequorea victoria)

Glass jellyfish are small jellyfish named for their transparent appearance. They primarily inhabit the coasts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, thriving in both deep-sea and nearshore environments.

What makes glass jellyfish unique is that they contain green fluorescent protein (GFP) in their bodies, drawing significant interest from scientists studying bioluminescence and cellular marking.

4. Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca)

The lion's mane jellyfish, also known as the night-shining jellyfish, mainly lives in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Their umbrella-shaped body displays a vivid red color, glowing at night and creating a dreamlike effect.

Lion's mane jellyfish have numerous stinging cells on their tentacles, effectively capturing prey. Due to their strong sting, swimmers may experience discomfort upon contact. In recent years, the population of lion's mane jellyfish has increased, putting pressure on some marine ecosystems.

5. Giant Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)

The giant jellyfish is one of the largest jellyfish in the world, with an umbrella diameter reaching up to two meters and tentacles extending up to thirty meters. They are primarily distributed in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, featuring a deep blue or purple umbrella with densely packed tentacles.

The stinging cells of giant jellyfish are extremely potent, allowing them to prey on most small marine creatures. Due to their enormous size and strong venom, giant jellyfish pose a significant threat to swimmers. In some areas, the population explosion has caused ecological and economic issues.

6. Spotted Jellyfish (Mastigias papua)

Spotted jellyfish inhabit tropical oceans, particularly near coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Their umbrella-shaped body features unique spots, with colors ranging from green to brown. Spotted jellyfish have shorter tentacles and often coexist with small fish.

Their stinging cells are relatively weak, posing almost no threat to humans. The presence of spotted jellyfish helps maintain the stability of coral reef ecosystems and provides a habitat for small marine creatures.

Understanding the characteristics of these jellyfish not only aids scientific research but also raises public awareness of marine ecological conservation. As "floating organisms" in the ocean, jellyfish are not only astonishing but also worthy of our exploration and protection.