Warty Comb Jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) - stock photo

The warty comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) is a marvel of marine evolution, known for its remarkable abilities to survive and adapt. This gelatinous sea creature exhibits a host of unusual traits: it can regenerate damaged body parts, reproduce even from its larval stage, and merge with other comb jellies to aid survival when injured. Perhaps most intriguingly, it challenges conventional notions of aging. A recent study reveals that Mnemiopsis leidyi can revert from its adult form to a juvenile state following trauma or starvation—a survival mechanism distinct from the life cycle reset seen in the "immortal jellyfish" (Turritopsis dohrnii). Unlike Turritopsis, whose reversion seems more inherent, the warty comb jelly actively de-ages in response to environmental stress, showcasing its evolutionary adaptability. Adding to its quirks, Mnemiopsis leidyi has a transient digestive system. It forms a temporary opening to expel waste, defying conventional anatomical expectations. This feature, combined with its otherworldly bioluminescence and ethereal movement, makes it one of the ocean's most peculiar inhabitants.