Bay Nettle

  • Bay Nettle   The nettle {em}Chrysaora chesapeakei{/em} in Chesapeake Bay.   © D. Malmquist/VIMS.
  • Color Morph   Though typically whitish or clear, some bay nettles have strong purplish coloring and markings.   © M. Patterson/VIMS.
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The bay nettle <em>Chrysaora chesapeakei</em>. © J. Lefcheck /VIMS.Scientific Name

Chrysaora chesapeakei (formerly known as Chrysaora quinquecirrha). Learn why the name was changed.

Distribution

The bay nettle is the most common jelly in Chesapeake Bay during summer, and can be present from May to October. It is generally confined to brackish waters with salinities between 10 and 16 parts per thousand (ppt; seawater is typically 32-36 ppt). It prefers water temperatures between 78 - 86º F. 

Sting

The sting is moderately painful, but not dangerous unless there is an allergic reaction.

Size

An adult can have a bell to up to 8 inches in diameter, with 24 tentacles several feet long.

Color

Nettles in the upper reaches of Chesapeake Bay are usually milky white; those in the lower, saltier portions of the Bay are more likely to have reddish-brown to purplish stripes or splotches.

Distinguishing Features
  • Bell with fairly thick dome
  • Tentacles closely and evenly spaced around bell
  • 4 long and ruffled oral arms emerge from under bell

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