![\"\"](\"http:\/\/whaletimes.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Hagfish-Day-Star-WhaleTimes-Snot-Bomb-Upside-Down-Jellyfish-.jpg\")
<\/a>The upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) follows its own path. Unlike jellyfish that float through the sea with tentacles swirling around them, the upside-down jellyfish plops on the ocean floor and holds its arms up.<\/p>\nIf pestered by an animal, current, or crazed tickler, the upside-down jellyfish releases stinging snot. (Scientists would describe it as stinging structures encased in a mucus-like substance.) Inside the snot are thousands of microscopic structures with hundreds of stinging cells in each. Since upside-down jellyfish are often found in groups, if you pester one you pester them all . That means getting stung by millions of invisible venomous stingers. (Invisible without a microscope anyway).<\/p>\n
Researchers also found upside-down jelly uses a similar kind of toxin that\u2019s used by the deadly Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri). (Again, we\u2019ll remind you about not tickling wild animals \u2013 especially a box jelly.)<\/p>\n
What happens if you swim through a cloud of the stinging snot? It\u2019ll itch, burn, , or even cause a \u2018mildly painful\u201d sting. Be thankful, though, that you\u2019re not a brine shrimp or other small creature. The upside-down jellyfish\u2019s snot bomb kills them instantly.<\/p>\n
Snot bombs, slime…wonder if there’s a special meeting or club for mucous minded critters?<\/p>\n
Happy Hagfish Day! (Back to Hagfish Day)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Do NOT tickle the tummy of an upside-down jellyfish. (Okay, this is actually wise advice regarding any jellyfish or…well any wild animal.) The upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) follows its own path. Unlike jellyfish that float through the sea with tentacles swirling around them, the upside-down jellyfish plops on the ocean floor and holds its arms … Continue reading