Photo safari – lion’s mane jellyfish (in an amusing case of tangled tentacles)

Have you ever been to an aquarium where large swarms of jellyfish swim around each other in a beautifully lit tank? Have you ever wondered how those drifting tentacles managed to stay untangled, when humans can’t even manage to put a set of headphones in our pocket without ending up with a series of mind-bending knots? Have you ever wondered what would happen if jellyfish did get their tentacles in a twist?

Well, thanks to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s jellyfish exhibit, I can tell you the answer to that last question: hilarity ensues. These are lion’s mane jellyfish. They have no brain or central nervous system, which is fortunate because otherwise, they would probably die of embarrassment.

I shot these photos/videos myself yesterday. The aquarium is incredible. More photos to come later today, and then tomorrow, some brand new science for you.