Comb Jellies

ocean · weird swimmers · transparent · invertebrates

Comb-like paddles. Comb jellies have rows of structures called combs running down their bodies. These combs are made of thousands of cilia (tiny hair-like parts) that beat together like synchronized swimmers to push the creature forward through the water.

Rainbow shimmer. When light hits the moving cilia on a comb jelly, it breaks apart into rainbow colors, creating a magical sparkling effect. This is one of the most beautiful sights you can see in the deep ocean.

Ocean wanderers. Comb jellies live in oceans all around the world, from shallow coral reefs to the deepest, darkest parts of the sea. Scientists have identified 186 different species of them so far.

See-through bodies. Many comb jellies are completely transparent or nearly invisible, which helps them hide from predators and sneak up on tiny prey like fish eggs and small crustaceans.

Ancient animals. Comb jellies are one of the oldest types of animals, appearing in the ocean hundreds of millions of years ago. They're a totally different group from jellyfish, even though they look similar.