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
- FamilyPelagiidae
- 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 
Close Relative (c) Ed Bierman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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