Do Jellyfish Have Any Predators? | Notes And Queries | .uk

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Rafael Holt, Lima, Peru

• Of course! For example, the rather bizarre sun fish (a sort of vertically inclined non-scaly weird fish that surfaces in the Indian Ocean around September time) loves purple jelly fish. It has its eyes set back from its mouth out of reach of the tentacles. Incidentally, if you are approached by one, you can push them away on the crown. They're quite firm and can be steered. At least the species I tried this on last month was amenable. But, take local advice on particular species; I am no expert!

  Graham Lees, San Diego USA

• A recent television documentary showed jellyfish being eaten by various predators including the hawksbill turtle (immune to the poison), a variety of sea slug (which commandeers the stinging cells to use for its own defence) and even other jellyfish.

  Leo Hickey, Barking, Essex

• Fishing-net wielding children and bored teenagers.

  Paul Sheeran, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

• Humans eat jellyfish. This is a Hawaiian recipe:

  1/2 lb salted jellyfish 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 large cucumber, julienne 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce Dash of hot chili oil

  Take 1/2lb salted jellyfish. Rinse under running water for 20 minutes until no longer salty and cut into strips. Place in boiling water for 5 seconds (!) and drain. Arrange sliced cucumber on plate. Place Jellyfish on cucumber. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl, mix until smooth. Serve. Yum Yum!

  Darren, Lancaster, Lancs

• A word of warning about Graham Lee's answer. He is correct when he says he is not familiar with all species. There are species in Australia which, if pushed away by touching any part of them, would put you in hospital fighting for your life.

  Michael Fisher, Brisbane, Australia