Why do jellyfish sting?
Jellyfish sting to catch tiny food and to keep themselves safe.
Pip’s answer
- Jellyfish sting to catch tiny food and to keep themselves safe.
- Their long, floaty strings have teeny stingers, too small to see.
- With no brain, its strings sting whatever they bump, so look but never touch, buddy!
- Wow-ee, jellyfish have floated in the sea since before the dinosaurs!
For grown-ups
Jellyfish tentacles are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts. When something brushes them, tiny harpoon-like threads fire out and inject venom to stun prey. Jellyfish have no brain; the stinging is automatic, which is why even washed-up jellyfish can sting. Look, but do not touch.
Ask your child: What should we do if we see a jellyfish on the beach?
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