The Fascinating World of Jellyfish, A joy of Sampling

 Let me say something about a beautiful organism - the Jellyfish. A creature both fascinating and enigmatic, the Jellyfish is a curious, sometimes dangerous, boneless, brainless, heartless, eyeless, earless, noseless, tongue-less marine wonder that has thrived on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Despite lacking many of the characteristics that define us as humans, Jellyfish remain an integral part of marine ecosystems, distributed worldwide. Join me on this journey as we explore the captivating world of Jellyfish from a researcher perspective.

Size and Diversity of the Resilient Survivors:

Water comprises more than 90 percent of the Jellyfish's body mass, making them exquisitely adapted to aquatic life. Their ability to survive even in low-oxygen conditions showcases their remarkable resilience. It is awe-inspiring to think that these creatures have persisted through countless millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of various species. Jellyfish exhibit an astounding size range, from millimeters to meters, showcasing remarkable species diversity. The diversity within the species is truly astounding. Each Jellyfish species holds its own unique beauty, adding to the wonder of marine biodiversity. This diversity necessitates caution and knowledge when dealing with them.

Challenges in Study and Collection:

The weird habituation of jelly fish with plastic pollution

Studying and collecting Jellyfish can be a little complicated compared to working with fish. In estuarine conditions, researchers often use scoop nets to gather Scyphozoan Jellyfish for research purposes. However, handling these delicate creatures requires explicit knowledge of their stinging property to avoid complications and health problems. Their delicate, undulating forms and vibrant colors make them a captivating sight. However, caution must be exercised, as some Jellyfish species are highly toxic and dangerous to humans. Wearing gloves while collecting unknown Jellyfish from the wild is essential to prevent accidental stings.Wearing gloves while collecting unknown Jellyfish from the wild is essential to prevent accidental stings.

Observations in the Estuary: Jellyfish in Kerala 

In Kerala, Jellyfish are commonly known as 'kadalchori', a term that directly refers to the itching sensation they can cause in humans. While Kerala is rich in marine resources, the culture, capture, and trade of Jellyfish are not as common as one might expect, despite their abundance. Kerala remains unexplored in terms of tapping into the potential export market for these fascinating creatures.In the estuary, Jellyfish often come close to the shore, making it relatively easy to collect them using scoop nets. 

They exhibit a slow swimming behavior, allowing for close observation. However, in deeper waters, the collection process becomes more complex as they swiftly retreat when sensing danger nearby.

Examining, Photographing, and Preserving:

After collection, the Jellyfish samples are meticulously examined, photographed, and preserved, with only a limited number of samples being designated as museum specimens in buffered formalin solution. Such measures ensure that their beauty and scientific value are preserved for generations to come.The world of Jellyfish is a captivating and mysterious one, full of astonishing diversity and survival stories. From their resilience in adverse conditions to their stunning beauty, there is much to appreciate and learn from these ancient marine organisms. While they can pose challenges and potential dangers, with proper safety measures and knowledge, we can interact with them responsibly, opening doors for further research and exploration of their fascinating world. As we continue to explore and understand Jellyfish, let us remember the importance of safeguarding our marine ecosystems and the wondrous creatures there inhabited.

I am a researcher in Jelly fishes, currently doing PhD at Cochin University of Science and Technology. My core interests are in marine ecology, scientific illustrations, light microscopy and Aquaculture. I am very much interests in field surveys, particularly on plankton samples. My current work is focused on distribution of jelly fishes over the Cochin estuary.

— Rithin Raj, CUSAT