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.