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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Comb jellies
- Copepods
- Larval fish
Predators
- Sea turtles
- Ocean sunfish
- Spadefish
ThreatsWater pollution, coastal development, and climate change affecting ocean temperatures
HabitatsCoastal waters, estuaries, and bays of the western Atlantic Ocean
Life spanLess than one year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSemaeostomeae
- FamilyPelagiidae
- GenusChrysaora
- SpeciesChrysaora quinquecirrha
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Delivers a painful sting via stinging cells; avoid swimming near them and do not touch washed-up specimens.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses thousands of microscopic stinging cells called nematocysts that inject a toxin upon contact, causing burning pain, redness, and skin rashes.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a saucer-shaped bell with reddish-brown radiating stripes and long, fine tentacles trailing beneath.
- What to do
- Never touch live or dead sea nettles, as even washed-up tentacles can still sting; seek medical attention if a severe reaction occurs.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Frequent Companion (c) A H, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by A H · cc-by
Predator U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Ed Bierman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Ocean Creatures
Sea Nettle is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.