Species · GBIF taxon 5185413
Sea Nettle
Chrysaora quinquecirrhaAlso known as Atlantic Sea Nettle, East Coast Sea Nettle
Atlantic sea nettles drift gracefully through coastal waters, using their saucer-shaped bells and long, trailing tentacles to capture passing prey. Their coloration ranges from translucent white to vibrant pink or yellow, often marked with striking reddish-brown stripes radiating from the center. These gelatinous predators play a vital role in marine food webs by regulating populations of small fish, comb jellies, and zooplankton.
MarineVenomousFree-swimming
- diet
- Zooplankton, small fish, comb jellies, and other jellyfish
- family
- Pelagiidae
- threats
- Water pollution, coastal development, and climate change affecting ocean temperatures
- life Span
- Less than one year
NE
Delivers a painful sting via stinging cells; avoid swimming near them and do not touch washed-up specimens.
Possesses thousands of microscopic stinging cells called nematocysts that inject a toxin upon contact, causing burning pain, redness, and skin rashes.
Never touch live or dead sea nettles, as even washed-up tentacles can still sting; seek medical attention if a severe reaction occurs.- Keep your distance: Give these jellyfish a wide berth when swimming or diving to avoid their long, trailing tentacles.
- Wear protection: Use a rash guard or wetsuit when swimming in waters where sea nettles are abundant.
- Treat stings safely: Rinse any stings with vinegar to deactivate remaining stinging cells, never use fresh water.