Why is a jellyfish's body jelly-like? Kuya Kim answers

It's jellyfish season once again, which is why in some parts of the country, locals and tourists are being warned of their appearance in shallow waters.

But have you ever wondered why jellyfish have jelly or gelatin-like bodies?

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, they may be named jellyfish, but these creatures are not made of jelly. Instead, they are made of 90% water.

They are also not considered fish because they are invertebrates and do not have backbones or spines like fish. They also lack brains, hearts, and lungs.

Jellyfish started living 600 to 700 million years ago, making them older than the dinosaurs.

Also, 50% of jellyfishes are bioluminescent, giving them the ability to produce their own light even in the dark.

However, experts warn that approaching jellyfish are dangerous. One who gets too close may get stung.

"Lahat ng jellyfish nagsi-sting talaga sila because they belong to the phylum Cnidaria. They possess sting cells or cnidae, but gaano ka-harmful ang isang jellyfish, depende 'yan sa species. Pwede naman mild, pwedeng painful at may iba na talagang deadly sila," Serafin Geson III, Marine Science Institute Research Associate said.

In case you get stung by a jellyfish, get out of the water immediately and apply vinegar or rubbing alcohol to the affected area.

If there are tentacles still clinging, remove them with tweezers. Applying a hot or cold compress to the area can also help relieve the pain.

If the condition does not improve and you experience other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or dizziness, go to the nearest hospital.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News