Ever wondered what jellyfish do when the sun goes down? The common saying, or perhaps a misconception, is that 'jellyfish can't swim in the night.' But is there any truth to it?
While it's true that jellyfish aren't exactly Olympic swimmers, relying more on currents and pulsations for movement, the idea they completely cease activity at night isn't accurate. Many jellyfish species are, in fact, *more* active at night! They migrate vertically, rising closer to the surface to feed under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of smaller organisms that also move upwards.
Their simple nervous systems and reliance on light for some orientation might make navigating challenging in darkness, but they don't simply 'stop swimming'. Their pulsing bell motions continue, albeit perhaps less directed. So, the next time you're near the ocean at night, remember that jellyfish are likely still out there, drifting and pulsing in the dark, actively participating in the nocturnal marine ecosystem.
