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JELLYFISH EXHIBIT

ALL ABOUT OUR JELLYFISH EXHIBIT

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UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF KEY WEST’S JELLYFISH

The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) are commonly seen in the Florida Keys and live in temperate, coastal waters around the globe. They are comprised of 95% water, possessing no respiratory, excretory, or circulatory systems.

They do, however, possess a fundamental nerve system connected to a nerve net that will respond to stimuli and creates the “pulsing” movement that jellyfish are known for. Known predators of the jellyfish are sunfish (Mola mola), sea turtles, and even other jellyfish, such as the hydromedusa (Aequorea victoria).

While there are predators, jellyfish are thriving and there are no real threats to their booming populations.

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WHY THEIR SHAPE, SIZE AND MOVEMENT MATTER

Jellyfish are masters of adaptation and thrive in low oxygen environments; they are strong bioindicators regarding the health and decline of our oceans. They are extremely weak swimmers, relying on ocean currents for locomotion. Their rudimentary swimming function serves only to keep them near the surface and to aid in feeding.

Moon jellyfish are carnivorous, feeding primarily on zooplankton and larval organisms. Their tentacles possess stinging cells called nematocysts and are used to stun and hold their prey, drawing their meal up to their gastrovascular cavity to be consumed. Jellyfish stings are common with recreational swimmers, often by simply bumping into the tentacles without realizing the animals are in the area. Jellyfish stings can be painful but, more often than not, are not a medical emergency.

LOREM IPSUM DOLOR ET SIM

WHY THEIR SHAPE, SIZE AND MOVEMENT MATTER

Jellyfish are masters of adaptation and thrive in low oxygen environments; they are strong bioindicators regarding the health and decline of our oceans. They are extremely weak swimmers, relying on ocean currents for locomotion. Their rudimentary swimming function serves only to keep them near the surface and to aid in feeding.

Moon jellyfish are carnivorous, feeding primarily on zooplankton and larval organisms. Their tentacles possess stinging cells called nematocysts and are used to stun and hold their prey, drawing their meal up to their gastrovascular cavity to be consumed. Jellyfish stings are common with recreational swimmers, often by simply bumping into the tentacles without realizing the animals are in the area. Jellyfish stings can be painful but, more often than not, are not a medical emergency.

The Portuguese man-o-war is what you really want to avoid. These bad boys are venomous, leaving extremely painful stings that in rare cases can be lethal. With a translucent, sail-shaped bell, man-o-wars float on the ocean’s surface, resembling a plastic bag. Their deep blue and purple tentacles trail beneath them up to six feet long.

The good news is that if you’re alert, they’re easy to spot on the surface and avoid. The bad news is, those tentacles can sneak up on you when you least suspect them. If man-o-wars are known to be in the water, it’s a good idea to just stay out. They’re truly unpleasant creatures to come into contact with. Fortunately, we only see them in Key West during certain tides in the wintertime.

The Portuguese man-o-war is what you really want to avoid. These bad boys are venomous, leaving extremely painful stings that in rare cases can be lethal. With a translucent, sail-shaped bell, man-o-wars float on the ocean’s surface, resembling a plastic bag. Their deep blue and purple tentacles trail beneath them up to six feet long.

The good news is that if you’re alert, they’re easy to spot on the surface and avoid. The bad news is, those tentacles can sneak up on you when you least suspect them. If man-o-wars are known to be in the water, it’s a good idea to just stay out. They’re truly unpleasant creatures to come into contact with. Fortunately, we only see them in Key West during certain tides in the wintertime.

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SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION

Related to the jellyfish, sea lice are actually microscopic larvae of jellyfish and other types of stinging organisms in the ocean. There are many varieties and, frustratingly, they’re basically impossible to see with the naked eye. In Key West, they often colonize on seaweed floating in the ocean, so try to avoid this while swimming.

If you get hit by sea lice, it’s usually no more than a temporary mild itch or burning sensation that goes away as quickly as you feel it. On rare occasions, the sting of sea lice is delayed and can be rather painful and uncomfortable for days.

Related to the jellyfish, sea lice are actually microscopic larvae of jellyfish and other types of stinging organisms in the ocean. There are many varieties and, frustratingly, they’re basically impossible to see with the naked eye. In Key West, they often colonize on seaweed floating in the ocean, so try to avoid this while swimming.

If you get hit by sea lice, it’s usually no more than a temporary mild itch or burning sensation that goes away as quickly as you feel it. On rare occasions, the sting of sea lice is delayed and can be rather painful and uncomfortable for days.

Related to the jellyfish, sea lice are actually microscopic larvae of jellyfish and other types of stinging organisms in the ocean. There are many varieties and, frustratingly, they’re basically impossible to see with the naked eye. In Key West, they often colonize on seaweed floating in the ocean, so try to avoid this while swimming.

If you get hit by sea lice, it’s usually no more than a temporary mild itch or burning sensation that goes away as quickly as you feel it. On rare occasions, the sting of sea lice is delayed and can be rather painful and uncomfortable for days.

Related to the jellyfish, sea lice are actually microscopic larvae of jellyfish and other types of stinging organisms in the ocean. There are many varieties and, frustratingly, they’re basically impossible to see with the naked eye. In Key West, they often colonize on seaweed floating in the ocean, so try to avoid this while swimming.

If you get hit by sea lice, it’s usually no more than a temporary mild itch or burning sensation that goes away as quickly as you feel it. On rare occasions, the sting of sea lice is delayed and can be rather painful and uncomfortable for days.

If you get hit by sea lice, it’s usually no more than a temporary mild itch or burning sensation that goes away as quickly as you feel it. On rare occasions, the sting of sea lice is delayed and can be rather painful and uncomfortable for days.

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