Tennessee Aquarium: Ocean Journey to Jellyfish

The last highlight for Ocean Journey was the the final exhibit which featured jellyfish. They are remarkable for their easy movement. They don't swim like other animals, but instead many propel themselves through the water in a manner that is somewhat similar to jet propulsion.


Gliding Through

One of the more interesting parts was the display of upside-down jellyfish, or Cassiopeia. These jellies have a symbiotic relationships with algae. Algae can photosynthesize, thereby providing some nutrition for the jellyfish. In order to accomodate the relationship, the jellyfish tend to lie their heads or bells flat against shallow ocean floors, allowing the algae on the inside access to light.



Quite an Arrangement

Another neat aspect of the exhibit, Jellies: Living Art, was the merging of art with the animals. Inspired by the invertebrates, Thomas Spake's glasswork was prominently featured.



Inspiration in Glass

Very cool, indeed.



The Image of a Jelly

For more information about the Tennessee Aquarium, you can check out their website. I consider the aquarium a must-see in Chattanooga.