Book 6, Question 40
Why Do Jellyfish Sting?
A jellyfish has no claws and no teeth. Its tentacles are covered in tiny stinging cells. When something touches one, a tiny thread shoots out like a spring-loaded dart.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 6
More fun facts
- Jellyfish have tiny stinging cells in their tentacles to stun or paralyze their prey.
- Most stings happen when people accidentally touch a jellyfish.
- Upside-down jellyfish release mucus filled with tiny stinging grenades called cassiosomes.
- Divers can feel stinging water without ever touching one of these jellyfish.
- Each tiny grenade has stinging cells and 60 to 100 little hairs that let it paddle through the water.
- One release of mucus can hold thousands of these stinging grenades.
Sources: National Geographic Kids, NOAA, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
Can a jellyfish sting without touching you?
Yes. Upside-down jellyfish release stinging mucus, so divers can feel stinging water nearby.