They pre-date dinosaurs. There are thousands of species (both herbivore and carnivore). And almost all of them pack a powerful sting.

Jellyfish (méduses in French) are the ickiest of all marine life when they’re sharing your swimming space but astonishingly beautiful when safely viewed from the other side of a thick glass wall.

On January 16, 2019, the Aquarium de Paris, located in the Trocadéro gardens, just across the river from the Eiffel Tower, opened the first (and only) jellyfish zoo in Europe.

Twenty-four back-lit black tanks showcase 45 varieties of these brainless invertebrates as they dance through the water, buffeted by gentle artificial currents in their high-tech tanks. (Jellyfish, like sharks, expire quickly when not in motion.)

Outside of the zoo environment, jellyfish function like reverse ecological canaries in the coal mine. Whenever there’s a population explosion, it means something’s gone very wrong at the waterfront. In short, anything that dooms sea bass and coral reefs is pure ambrosia for jellyfish.

Marine biologist Jacqueline Goy, a member of the Aquarium’s scientific council, notes that the Black Sea has already become a “jellyfish soup” and warns that the “gélification” of our oceans is a clear and present danger.

The Médusarium, set up to educate visitors about climate change while highlighting the beauty of ocean fauna, is akin to a marine jewel box. Some of these diaphanous creatures even appear to be sprinkled with shiny blue sequins. Watching these iridescent creatures perform their graceful water ballet is a mesmerizing, nearly hypnotic, experience.

A little too peaceful? Then plan your visit around 2:45 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday when the aquarium’s fifty hungry sharks have their late-lunch feeding frenzy. Altogether, there are 7,500 ocean animals on view, 700 colonies of coral, and a pool where venerable Koï carp can petted and caressed.

L’Aquarium de Paris. 5 avenue Albert de Mun, 16th arr. Metro Trocadéro or Iéna. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm; last tickets sold at 6 pm. Tickets: 20,50 € (general admission); 16€ (13-17 years and over 60 years); 13€ (3-12 years): under 3 free.

© 2019, Corinne LaBalme

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