The jellyfish live / lives in the water.

[Tan Elaine]

The jellyfish live / lives in the water.

Which verb should I use? I believe the verb should be 'live' but wonder whether 'The jellyfish' can refer to one jellyfish in the above sentence.

Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

The jellyfish live / lives in the water.

Which verb should I use? I believe the verb should be 'live' but wonder whether 'The jellyfish' can refer to one jellyfish in the above sentence.

Thanks.

Yes, "The jellyfish" could refer to one creature or several creatures. So, whether you use "live" or "lives" depends on what you want to say.

 

[Barb_D]

However, if you want to refer to the general category, then I suggest either
"The jellyfish lives" or
"Jellyfish live"

but not "The jellyfish live."

Like "The horse is a useful animal" or "Horses are useful animals" but not "The horses are useful animals" -- if you are talking about horses overall.