HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Jellies

Jellies have been floating in oceans across the world for hundreds of millions of years. These adaptable creatures are classified as a type of plankton due to the fact that they drift in ocean currents. True jellies have two primary life stages: the polyp phase where it is attached to a substrate, and the medusa phase where they develop a bell and tentacles. Comb jellies, like the Pacific sea gooseberry, are covered in cilia - little hairs that are fused in rows called combs - that help them swim and reflect light giving off a rainbow appearance. At Haystack Rock it is common to have hundreds of the same species of jelly wash up when currents happen to push a jelly bloom towards shore. Although not all species of jellies in Oregon sting, it is best practice to avoid touching all jellies. Even a dead jelly could still sting!

Reference: Smithsonian Ocean

True Jellies

Comb Jellies