Bay Nettle

At a glance

Bay Nettle (Chrysaora chesapeakei) is a cnidarian present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.

Confirmed by 2,801 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Maryland, Texas, and Florida the top jurisdictions by observation count.

Notable details

• The bay nettle was formally recognized as its own species, distinct from the Atlantic sea nettle, in 2017.
• It thrives in the low-salinity waters of Chesapeake Bay, peaking in summer.
• Bay nettles feed on zooplankton, fish larvae, and small crustaceans.
• Their tentacles deliver a burning sting on contact.
• Dense summer blooms regularly make swimming in Chesapeake Bay uncomfortable.

Where Bay Nettle are seen

• Maryland757 iNat obs
• Texas570 iNat obs
• Florida308 iNat obs
• Virginia242 iNat obs
• Alabama200 iNat obs
• Massachusetts137 iNat obs

Background

Chrysaora chesapeakei is a sea nettle from the family Pelagiidae. It was shown to be a distinct species from Chrysaora quinquecirrha in 2017. Since then, it is also commonly known as the bay nettle. It is found mainly in estuaries of the eastern coast of the U.S.A and is especially known from the Chesapeake Bay, but can also be found in the open Gulf of Mexico.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Bay Nettle article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.

Other jellyfish/anemones/corals on CatchRules

• Atlantic Sea NettleChrysaora quinquecirrha