We are bringing you the box jellyfish interesting facts so you get to know all about box jellyfish. Box jellyfish (Cubozoa) belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which contains 10,000 marine animal species. They are highly venomous invertebrates and are notorious for their deadly venom. The box-shaped medusa (stomach) of these jellyfish is their unique characteristic. There are more than 36 species of box jellies. Let’s read box jellyfish facts and information.
Box Jellyfish Facts for Kids
The body of a box jellyfish is glass-like and has a pale-blue color. It has well-developed nervous system, in fact, more developed than any other species of jellyfish. These jellies have a bell-shaped structure.
Characteristics: There are 15 long tentacles dangling from each of the four edges of this bell by means of the stalk. Around 5,000 poisonous cells are attached on every tentacle. These stinging cells are activated by means of the chemical present on the outer skin of their prey.
Description: Ther
e is also a trunk-like appendage in the middle of this bell, which is called manubrium. At the top of manubrium, the mouth of jellyfish is located. On each of the four edges of their bell, there are 6 eyes that are packed together in clusters. Thus, box jellies have 24 eyes in total.
Size and Weight: The box jellies are 10 feet in length and 10 feet across. Some of the species of box jellyfish have tentacles measuring 9.8 feet long. These jellies weigh up to 4.4 pounds.
Lifespan: On average, box jellyfish have a lifespan of up to 1 year.
Habitat: Box jellies are found in large numbers around the coastal tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. However, they are also distributed across the eastern Pacific as well as the Atlantic. To the North, box jellies are present up to California and Japan. To the South, they are found up to New Zealand.
Diet: Box jellies are carnivores and actively feed on small invertebrates and fish, like bait fish and prawns.
Speed: They can move around at a speed of up to 2 meters per second, which is faster than any other jellyfish.
Predators: Box jellies has many predators including spinefoots, butterfish, crabs, hawksbill and flatback sea turtles as well as crabs.
Other Names: Sea Wasps, Marine Stingers
