What Is a Jellyfish?

What Is a Jellyfish?

What is a jellyfish? A fish, do you say?

Does it swim through the ocean and splash as it plays?

Well, despite what it's called, it's no fish at all,

It's a strange little creature, some big and some small.

It has no backbone, no heart and no brain,

Yet it lives in the ocean through sunshine and rain.

Its body is mostly made up of water, you see,

Like a floating umbrella beneath the deep sea.

Its bell gently pulses to help it move around,

Though currents can carry it without making a sound.

Its tentacles trail like ribbons of lace,

As it drifts through the ocean at its own gentle pace.

But those beautiful ribbons have a secret to tell,

They contain tiny stingers that work rather well.

They catch little creatures that swim close by,

So it's better to watch them than give them a try.

They feed upon plankton and small fish too,

And come in some wonderful colours and hues.

Some are transparent, while others glow bright,

Like magical lanterns beneath the sea at night.

And how are they born? Well, isn't it strange?

Many start as tiny larvae, then go through a change.

They settle as polyps, attached to the floor,

Before young little jellyfish swim off to explore.

They've lived in our oceans for millions of years,

Long before dinosaurs ever appeared.

Through changes in climate and oceans so wide,

These delicate creatures have managed to survive.

And turtles enjoy them as something to eat,

Although getting stung isn't much of a treat.

They're part of the ocean, its wonderful chain,

Where life keeps on giving, again and again.

So what is a jellyfish? Now you should know,

It's a fascinating creature that goes with the flow.

No bones and no heartbeat, yet living and free,

A beautiful mystery beneath the blue sea.

And next time you see one, just let it float by,

Like an underwater cloud that fell from the sky.

For even without a heart beating inside,

It's a wonderful example of life beneath the tide.