Ooo, awww—OUCH! The Pacific nettles are glorious golden globs, but they sure do have a stabby sting. Almost all jellies have the ability to sting as a method of paralyzing and capturing prey. Dangling below the jellies’ bells are thin, reddish, straight tentacles and frilly oral arms (think of them as long loopy lips). Both tentacles and oral arms are covered in stinging cells called cnidocytes — if you look closely you’ll see them as tiny bumps peppering the oral arms. These stinging cells release a hollow, harpoon-like structure that penetrates the flesh of unsuspecting prey (or the occasional, unaware human) and releases a venom that causes that uncomfortable, burning sensation. While jellies use these stinging cells to capture prey, their mighty cnidocytes can also ward off predators—though they don’t deter leatherback turtles or ocean sunfish! Perhaps turtles and sunfish like their food spicy? Gazing at jellies brings us peace and joy, but remember, just like every rose, a jelly can have a sting. #MontereyBayAquarium #IntereSTING #PacificNettles #TurtlesAndSunfishLikeSpicyFood #FeelingTheBurnToday