The Comb Jelly: An Animal Without a Brain

by Atisse Robins, age 14

Comb jellies, which belong to the family of ctenophores, are often confused with

jellyfish. However, they belong to an entirely separate group and also have their own unique features.

Comb jellies are gelatinous marine animals that live in oceans. They beat in coordinated waves in a shimmering motion. When light hits their cilia it makes a rainbow like color, making it look magical. Genetic studies suggest that comb jellies may be the oldest lingering animals on earth. They lack both a brain and a nervous system, making them interesting to many scientists.

Comb jellies are carnivores; they eat plankton, fish, larvae, and sometimes even other comb jellies. Studies show that during low periods of food availability, they are able to go into a reproductive period, then they cannibalize the larva to sustain themselves until their normal food sources return. Despite their delicate appearance, they are effective predators in the oceans food web. Comb jellies might look like simple blobs in the ocean, however there's a lot more to it.

They have been around for millions of years and they hunt, which is surprising considering they do not have brains. Even though they do not sting like jellyfish, they are still exotic predators and play a big role in the ecosystem.

Scientists are still learning about Comb jellies and think they can help us understand how animals first came to evolve. In the end, they are a testament to diversity and wonders of life beneath the waves. Yet Comb jellies also prove that even the most delicate creatures can hold the deepest secrets.

[Sources: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation; UC San Diego]