Watch This Hungry Sea Turtle Gobble Up Jellyfish Like They’re Candy

Key Points:

• Sea turtles are able to consume jellyfish because they have thick skin and shells that protect them from the jellyfish’s stinging cells called nematocysts, as well as sharp beaks that can tear into them.
• While sea turtles are the biggest consumers of jellyfish, these creatures are also eaten by some fish, birds, crabs, and even humans.
• Watch video footage of a sea turtle downing a jellyfish in one swift, powerful bite.

If you think jellyfish are just harmless blobs of gelatin floating in the ocean, think again. These creatures are actually a favorite snack for some hungry sea turtles, who can devour them with ease and gusto. In this viral video, you can witness the amazing sight of a sea turtle eating some jellyfish as if they were candy.

Check Out the Video Below!

from Ocean GIFs

The video starts with a serene scene of a jellyfish gliding through the clear blue water, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Suddenly, a sea turtle bursts into the frame, opening its mouth wide and snapping up the jellyfish in one swift bite. The turtle doesn’t stop there, though. It quickly swims away, looking for more jellies to satisfy its turtle”y”-appetite.

The video then cuts to a montage of clips showing the same turtle (or maybe its friends) feasting on different kinds of jellyfish. The turtle seems to enjoy every bite, chewing and swallowing the jellies without much worry about the stinging tentacles swirling around it. The video ends with a close-up of the turtle’s face, looking happy and content after its meal.

How Can Turtles Eat Jellyfish?

Why do sea turtles eat jellyfish? And how do they do it without getting stung? According to experts, sea turtles have evolved to eat jellyfish because they are abundant and easy to catch in some parts of the world. Sea turtles also have thick skin and shells that protect them from the jellyfish’s stinging cells, called nematocysts. Essentially, the thick skin around their mouth keeps them from feeling the full effects of the pain. Also, their beaks are really sharp and can tear into a jellyfish, instantly dispatching it.

Sea turtles are not the only animals that eat jellyfish. Other predators include fish, birds, crabs, and even humans. However, sea turtles are among the most important consumers of jellyfish, as they help control their population and prevent them from overrunning the ocean.

So, don’t be afraid next time you see a jellyfish in the water. It might just be a tasty treat for a hungry sea turtle!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/naturepics_li