Shapeshifters: The Wondrous World of Jellyfish

A breathtaking collection of photographs and expert commentary that shed light on the most mysterious creatures of the deep sea.

Jellyfish come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes, drifting through every ocean, from the surface to the deepest of the deep seas, and are even found in freshwater locations. These ancient creatures, also called sea jellies (they are not, technically, fish), are so otherworldly and luminous that it is no wonder they are often compared to mythical shapeshifters. Some are so delicate that they shatter with the smallest disturbance to the water, while the tenacity of others means they can withstand almost any temperature, any salinity, starvation, and even being dismembered. And some are truly biologically immortal.

This visually breathtaking book showcases 100 species of jellyfish within its pages—from the ubiquitous Aurelia to the enigmatic Velella—along with astounding facts about these fascinating marine life-forms. Some are splendid, some strange, some poisonous, some deadly. Some carry surprising secrets and some are barely known, but every one of them is remarkable and has a tale to tell. An introduction by noted expert Lisa-ann Gershwin, with her commentary throughout, invites you into the wondrous world of jellyfish.

Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin was born and raised in California, where several chance encounters with jellyfish lured her into their enthralling universe. She is the author of Stung! On Jellyfish Blooms and the Future of the Ocean and Jellyfish: A Natural History. She has given two TEDx talks and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers and government reports. Gershwin has also discovered more than 200 new species of jellyfish as well as one dolphin. She now lives and works here in Tasmania.

Alexandra de Blas is an award winning environmental and science communicator with more than twenty years media experience, including eight as the voice of Earthbeat, ABC Radio National’s specialist environment program. For the past 13 years she has led de Blas Communications, specialising in social, environmental and financial sustainability with a particular focus on science, climate change and agriculture.

Join Lisa-ann and Alexandra at the Afterword Cafe.

You can purchase tickets below.