The Atlantic sea nettle is found along the east coast of the United States from New England to Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico. It also occurs in the Caribbean. This jelly is frequently encountered swimming near the surface in bays, lagoons and estuaries, as well as in the open ocean.

The body of the Atlantic sea nettle has the typical dome shape of a jelly. It is white to whitish in color and some individuals have radiating bands of color along the upper surface. There are long, thin tentacles that hang down from the edge of the body and four ruffled oral arms that extend down from the center of the body. The tentacles sting and hold prey organisms and the oral arms transport the prey up to gastric pouches located on the underside of the body. 

Look for the Atlantic sea nettle in its own habitat in the Tropical Diver gallery.

• The Atlantic sea nettle is categorized as “mildly toxic”. Contact with its tentacles will result in a minor rash.
• It is most abundant during the summer months.
• The natural predators of this sea nettle are sea turtles and some fish species.
• The male and female Atlantic sea nettles release sperm and eggs into the water daily during the summer months.
• This animal feed continuously on copepods, fish eggs and larvae, young minnows and other zooplankton.

Full Fact Sheet   Back to Section Overview