Atlantic Bay Nettle
(Chrysaora chesapeakei)
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Animal Type
Invertebrates
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Exhibits
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Range
North America
Overview
The Atlantic bay nettle has two color varieties; in the upper Chesapeake Bay, the white variety is most prevalent, and closer to the Atlantic Ocean, this jelly can have a white, red or brown coloration. Nettles populate the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries primarily from July through September, though some individuals can be present into November.
A Note from the Caretaker
In the summertime, these nettles can migrate into Baltimore's Inner Harbor and are visible in the water along the piers just outside the Aquarium.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the Atlantic bay nettle! Did you know that these jellies, commonly found in the Chesapeake Bay, were known as Atlantic sea nettles until 2017? Researchers proved through DNA testing that these bay-based invertebrates are a separate species: the Atlantic bay nettle.
Atlantic bay nettles are found in brackish waters of coastal bays along the East Coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, from New England to Texas. These jellies can thrive in very low salinities, as well as salt water.
Atlantic bay nettles feed on zooplankton, worms, mosquito larvae, fish eggs, juvenile crustaceans and other jellies.
The Atlantic bay nettle's bell can grow up to 7 inches wide.
Atlantic bay nettles are common in the Chesapeake Bay in the summer months and into fall.
Sea turtles, ocean sunfish, larger jellies and even birds are predators of the Atlantic bay nettle.
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Explore Similar Animals
The National Aquarium—and the aquatic world—is full of amazing animals like this one.
Blue Blubber Jelly (Catostylus mosaicus)
The blue blubber jelly feeds primarily on zooplankton.
Japanese Sea Nettle (Chrysaora pacifica)
This sea nettle can be found in the Pacific Ocean near Japan.
Moon Jelly (Aurelia aurita)
Their bells are luminous with a blue-grey transparent disk in the center and glowing, horseshoe-shaped organs.
Pacific Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
Learn about Pacific sea nettle, including their habitat, diet, range and population status, and where you can find them at the National Aquarium.
Upside-Down Jelly (Cassiopea xamachana)
This jelly looks more like a flower blooming on the seafloor than a typical jelly.