Jellyfishes

For those that have spent any time during

the summer on the Chesapeake Bay,

they have probably met the “sea nettle” that can be such a

pain!

Jellyfishes

Like other types of jellyfish, the sea

nettle captures food when the prey makes

contact with the trailing tentacles.

Jellyfishes

Here you can see a small fish that is

being pulled up into the central cavity of

the bell for digestion.

Jellyfishes

The tentacles of jellyfish have millions of

microscopic stinging cells that inject toxins to stun or kill tiny animals.

That is the pain you feel if you’ve ever been

stung!

Jellyfishes

Jellyfishes

Why do we usually only find sea nettles in the summer?

JellyfishesThere are many reasons, but one of the big ones is their unique lifecycle.

Jellyfishes

Is the sea nettle the only type of jellyfish in the bay?

Jellyfishes

Although the sea nettle is

by far the most common jellyfish in the bay, there are

others that can be found.

Jellyfishes

The moon jelly is about the

size of a dinner plate but will not

harm swimmers.

Jellyfishes

It has a pink four-leaf clover design

and is found in the southern

Chesapeake Bay during the summer.

Jellyfishes

During colder periods, Lion’s Mane jellyfish

are often found in the bay or along our coast.

Jellyfishes

The Mushroom Cap Jellyfish

and the Cabbage Head

Jellyfish can occasionally be

found in the bay.

Jellyfishes

Although ctenophores or comb jellies are

not classified as true jellyfish, they can be quite common in the Chesapeake Bay.

Jellyfishes

This relative to the jellyfish is more common

in tropical waters, but it

has been seen off our

coast.

Jellyfishes

Do you know its name?

This is the Portuguese man o war.