Japanese Sea Nettle
(Chrysaora pacifica)
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Animal Type
Invertebrates
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Exhibits
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Range
Pacific Ocean
Overview
This jelly's bell can be clear to brownish-orange, with dark lines radiating from the top of the bell to the bottom. This species is often confused with the similar-looking—but much bigger—Northern sea nettle.
Although not very venomous, their sting can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Their stinging cells, which are called nematocysts, are powerful, capable of causing serious skin irritation and burning sensations.
A Note from the Caretaker
Juveniles of this species lack stripes. Their stripes start to appear when the diameter of their bell reaches about 2 centimeters.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the Japanese sea nettle! Did you know that this jelly's tentacles can grow to a length of 10 feet?
This sea nettle can be found in the Pacific Ocean near Japan.
They feed on zooplankton, including small crustaceans and other jellies.
The bell of this species can measure up to 12 inches wide. Tentacles on giant specimens can reach as long as 10 feet.
In the past, jelly populations were kept in check by predators like sea turtles and jelly-eating fish. Due to the reduction of their predators, jelly populations are growing at alarming rates.
Sea turtles and other jelly-eating animals such as tuna, sunfish, butterfish and spiny dogfish keep the jelly populations in balance. All seven species of sea turtles include them in their diets. The largest sea turtle species, the leatherback, depends on jellies for food. Because jellies are more than 90% water and an adult leatherback can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, one turtle can consume a lot of jellies.
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Explore Similar Animals
The National Aquarium—and the aquatic world—is full of amazing animals like this one.
Moon Jelly (Aurelia aurita)
Their bells are luminous with a blue-grey transparent disk in the center and glowing, horseshoe-shaped organs.
Upside-Down Jelly (Cassiopea xamachana)
This jelly looks more like a flower blooming on the seafloor than a typical jelly.
Blue Blubber Jelly (Catostylus mosaicus)
The blue blubber jelly feeds primarily on zooplankton.
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.
Atlantic Bay Nettle (Chrysaora chesapeakei)
The Atlantic bay nettle's bell can grow up to 7 inches wide.