What are jellyfishes relatives?

Jellyfish are actually relatives of corals, sea anemones, and hydroids. They all belong to the phylum Cnidaria, a group of aquatic invertebrates characterized by their radial symmetry and stinging cells called nematocysts.

Here's a breakdown:

* Jellyfish belong to the class Scyphozoa, which are characterized by their bell-shaped bodies and free-swimming lifestyle.

* Corals belong to the class Anthozoa, which are typically sedentary and form colonies.

* Sea anemones also belong to the class Anthozoa, but they are solitary and have a single polyp body.

* Hydroids belong to the class Hydrozoa, which have a diverse range of forms, including both free-swimming medusae and colonial polyps.

While they may appear different, these creatures share many common features, including:

* Radial symmetry: Their bodies are arranged around a central axis, like a pie.

* Nematocysts: These stinging cells help them capture prey and defend themselves.

* Two distinct body forms: They alternate between a polyp stage (sessile, attached) and a medusa stage (free-swimming).

So, the next time you see a jellyfish, remember that you're looking at a relative of the colorful corals and beautiful sea anemones!