Jellyfish are not poisonous; they are venomous. Their sting, delivered through tentacles containing microscopic barbed stingers, injects venom.
Understanding Jellyfish Venom
Jellyfish use venom as a defense mechanism and to capture prey. The venom is injected through nematocysts, specialized cells in the tentacles.
- Mechanism: The long tentacles trailing from the jellyfish can inject venom from thousands of microscopic barbed stingers (according to reference provided 14-May-2024).
Effects of Jellyfish Stings
The effects of a jellyfish sting can vary widely depending on the species and the individual's sensitivity.
- Common Symptoms: Most often, jellyfish stings cause instant pain and inflamed marks on the skin (according to reference provided 14-May-2024).
- Systemic Illness: Some stings may cause more whole-body (systemic) illness (according to reference provided 14-May-2024).
- Life-Threatening Cases: In rare cases, jellyfish stings can be life-threatening (according to reference provided 14-May-2024).
Poisonous vs. Venomous
It's crucial to understand the difference between poisonous and venomous:
| Feature | Poisonous | Venomous |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Harmful substances are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. | Harmful substances are injected into the body through a sting or bite. |
| Example | Poisonous mushrooms | Jellyfish, snakes |
