People don’t typically like jellyfish. When you are at the beach, the last thing you want to see floating in the water next to you is a tentacled, squishy blob that is a jellyfish. Jellyfish, however, have a vital roll in our oceans. The are the main food source of the loved sea turtle. Ocean Sunfish and some birds are also known to snack on these bizarre creatures.

Unfortunately, our plastic grocery bags, among other types of human-created garbage, tend to take on a jellyfish-like vibe when they enter the ocean’s waters. When a sea turtle or bird sees the bag, they go in for what they think is a delicious snack. This often causes death to these creatures, and we are seeing less of them as a direct results of this Pollution.

Though you may not like jellyfish on your beach-front vacation, remember the how important they are to the ocean ecosystem. And if that doesn’t help you appreciate these sea creatures, these photos definitely will!

Some jellyfish are bioluminescent, or capable of glowing in the dark.

Jellyfish are also capable of regeneration. If they are injured, they have no problem growing  new body part to fix the injury.

Not all jellyfish have tentacles, some have no stinging power at all.

You can’t get mad at a jellyfish for stinging you, they don’t have brains (only nerve nets).

Jellyfish can range in size from larger than a person to smaller than a the ball in a ball point pin.

So, don’t hate jellyfish! They are amazing creatures worth admiring!

Image source: AlexanderSemenow/ThisIsn’tHappiness

Lead image source: RonReiring/Flickr