Through Unique Eyes, Box Jellyfish Look Out to the World Above the Water

Box jellyfish are usually stereotyped as quite simple organisms; however, a new report featured in Current Biology on April 28 suggests a new theory. Researchers have evidence revealing that their visual system is far more complex than what was previously thought of by marine biologists. They have at least 24 eyes with four different types. The evidence presents the idea that four of the eyes are able to look out above the surface of the water. The unique attribute allows them to navigate their way through their habitat.

Ever since a field trip in the seventh grade to the Florida Keys, marine biology has really interested me. I remember proceeding with a lab where we worked with Cassiopea jellyfish (as well as others) and thinking about the simplicity of their anatomy. When I read this article, I was totally shocked to read about the box jellyfish's amazing visual system. It seems to be something that shouldn't have been overlooked, but it's cool to know the discovery has been made. I think this discovery will lead to further studies in why Box jellyfish act as they do and could even possibly lead to discoveries in other sea creatures. It proves that even the so called "simplest" creatures possess complex aspects in some way.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/04/29/through_unique_eyes_box_jellyfish_look_out_to_the_world_above_the_water.html