Meduusi

Meduusi is the Finnish word for jellyfish. These marine invertebrates belong to the phylum Cnidaria, characterized by their gelatinous bodies and stinging tentacles. Meduusi are found in all the world's oceans, from the surface to the deep sea, and are common in both coastal and open waters. Their bell-shaped bodies, or medusae, are primarily composed of water, giving them their characteristic translucent and fragile appearance.

The life cycle of a meduusi often involves both a polyp stage and a medusa stage. The polyp is a sessile form attached to a substrate, while the medusa is the free-swimming, bell-shaped form commonly recognized as a jellyfish. Meduusi are carnivorous, using their tentacles, which are equipped with stinging cells called nematocysts, to capture prey such as plankton, small fish, and crustaceans. The stinging cells can range in potency, with some species posing a significant danger to humans.

Meduusi play an important role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey for other marine life. Their populations can fluctuate significantly, sometimes leading to jellyfish blooms that can impact fisheries and tourism. While some species are considered pests, many are harmless and are even considered delicacies in some cultures.