Science, Tech, Math › Animals & Nature What Is the Crystal Jelly? Also Known as "the Most Influential Bioluminescent Marine Organism" Share Flipboard Email Print Getty Images/Yiming Chen Animals & Nature Marine Life Marine Life Profiles Marine Habitat Profiles Sharks Key Terms Amphibians Birds Habitat Profiles Mammals Reptiles Wildlife Conservation Insects Forestry Dinosaurs Evolution View More By Jennifer Kennedy Marine Science Expert M.S., Resource Administration and Management, University of New Hampshire B.S., Natural Resources, Cornell University Jennifer Kennedy, M.S., is an environmental educator specializing in marine life. She serves as the executive director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. our editorial process Jennifer Kennedy Updated May 21, 2019 The crystal jelly (Aequorea victoria) has been called "the most influential bioluminescent marine organism." This cnidarian possesses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a photoprotein (or a protein that gives off light) called aequorin, both of which are used in laboratory, clinical and molecular research. Proteins from this sea jelly are also being studied for use in early detection of cancer. Description The aptly named crystal jelly is clear but may glow greenish-blue. Its bell may grow up to 10 inches in diameter. Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: CnidariaClass: HydrozoaOrder: LeptothecataFamily: AequoreidaeGenus: AequoreaSpecies: victoria Habitat and Distribution The crystal jelly lives in pelagic waters in the Pacific Ocean from Vancouver, British Columbia, to central California. Feeding The crystal jelly eats copepods, and other planktonic creatures, comb jellies, and other jellyfish.