Jellyfish and sea jellies are the informal common names given to the medusa-phase of certain gelatinous members of the subphylum Medusozoa, a major part of the phylum Cnidaria.Jellyfish are mainly free-swimming marine animals with umbrella-shaped bells and trailing tentacles, although a few are anchored to the seabed by stalks rather than being mobile.. In the South the Box Jellyfish has been found residing in the ocean waters of New Zealand. Facts about Jellyfish 3: The life span of jellyfish. However, there are species found in locations all over the world. They are pelagic animals, that is, they live in the open sea, and although they can be propelled with rhythmic movements of their umbrellas, they move basically at the mercy of the sea´s currents. The small types of jellyfish live just for a few hours whereas the others can live several years. Some jellyfish are bioluminescent, which means they can produce their own light. Jellyfish are invertebrates, which means they aren’t fish. Jellyfish don’t have a brain, bones, eyes or a heart. Box Jellyfish Habitat and Distribution. Along the oceans of Japan and California are very common too. Jellyfish are one of the oldest animals on Earth and have changed very little from their prehistoric ancestors. However, the wild ocean jellyfish can live around 2 – 6 months. Jellyfish also have the amazing ability to adapt to their environment. These fascinating creatures have been studied by scientists for decades, increasing our understanding of the biological adaptations that have enabled them to persist in the world’s oceans for so long. The Cnidaria (Cnidaria spp.) Cnidarian species are found throughout the world and are quite diverse, but they share many similar characteristics. The habitat for our spotted lagoon jellies is in the Tropical Pacific gallery, where there is also signage about the golden jelly that inhabits Palau’s Jellyfish Lake. These simple invertebrates are members of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes creatures such as sea anemones, sea whips, and corals. If you've ever seen a jellyfish washed up on the beach, chances are it was a moon jellyfish. Distribution/Range & Habitat: Where do Moon Jellyfish Live They are mostly found in the warm and tropical waters around the world near the coasts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Indian oceans. Jellyfish can be clear (translucent) or have a vibrant array of one or more colors. When damaged, some cnidarians can regenerate their body parts, making them effectively immortal. Jellyfish can be as small as .04 inch and as big as 6.6 feet. It depends on the species. The average life span of jellyfish is 30 years. Also called the common jellyfish or the saucer jellyfish, this sea creature provides a fascinating show with its gently pulsing bell-shaped body in coastal areas around the world. Fun Facts about the Jellyfish! The simple digestive cavity of a jellyfish acts as both its stomach and intestine, with one opening for both the mouth and the anus. The Tropical Indo Pacific region is where you will find the Box Jellyfish. The jellyfish are inhabitants of the tropical seas and the Arctic´s cold waters, where they have been for more than 650 million years.. The mangrove jellyfish, or the upside down jellyfish, which is found in the roots of mangroves in the southern Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and other tropical waters prefers making its habitat in shallow water, so that it can settle on the surface of the waterbed upside down and allow the algae as much access to sunlight as possible. is the phylum of animals that contains corals, jellyfish (sea jellies), sea anemones, sea pens, and hydrozoans. Geographic Distribution Lagoon jellies subspecies are found in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and China Sea to Japan and the Fiji Islands, and as far west as the Indo-Pacific. Jelly Fish’ Habitat and Distribution. 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