Northern Sea Nettle
ExploreAnimal
Northern Sea Nettle
chrysaora melanaster
The Northern Sea Nettle (Chrysaora melanaster) is a stunning and ecologically vital species of jellyfish inhabiting the chilly waters of the North Pacific. Easily recognized by its golden-brown bell and elegant dark stripes, this sea nettle is a key predator in pelagic ecosystems. During late summer, they can form massive blooms in the Bering Sea, dominating the biomass of the region and significantly shaping the local marine food web. Despite their delicate appearance, these jellyfish are formidable hunters that use their long, stinging tentacles to capture zooplankton, krill, and small fish.
Habitat: Found in the cold, pelagic and coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly within the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
Appearance
This large jellyfish features a dome-shaped bell that typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters in diameter, characterized by a translucent cream or yellowish background adorned with 16 distinct dark brown radiating stripes resembling wheel spokes. Hanging from the center of the bell are four long, highly ruffled, reddish-brown oral arms. Surrounding the margin of the bell are 24 long, thin, trailing tentacles that can extend several meters in length.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumCnidariaClassScyphozoaOrderSemaeostomeaeFamilyPelagiidaeGenusChrysaora
Category
AnimalRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During massive blooms, the collective weight of these jellyfish in the Bering Sea can reach up to several million metric tons.
The scientific species name 'melanaster' translates to 'black star' in Greek, referring to the dark radiating star pattern on its bell.
Young fish often seek shelter beneath the bell and among the venomous tentacles of the sea nettle, gaining protection from larger predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Venomous Cnidocytes
Possesses specialized stinging cells along its tentacles that inject toxins to paralyze prey and ward off predators.
Ability
Bell Contraction Propulsion
Uses rhythmic contractions of its muscular bell to create water currents, allowing it to move vertically through the water column.
Ability
Regenerative Capability
Can rapidly repair damaged tissue and regenerate lost tentacles or oral arms after predatory attacks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-60 cm
- Weight
- 1-5 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years
Diet & Feeding
Feeds heavily on a variety of zooplankton, small fish, larval fish, and other jellyfish species drift-caught in its tentacles.
Age differences: Polyp stages feed on microscopic organic particles, whereas the mature medusa stages hunt active zooplankton and small fish.
Primary Foods
- Copepods
- Larval fish
- Euphausiids
- Comb jellies
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Adult turtles feed on jellyfish swarms as a major source of hydration and nutrients.
competitor
Walleye Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
Competes for zooplankton food sources and occasionally feeds on pollock larvae.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Northern Sea Nettle?
The easiest way to identify Northern Sea Nettle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Northern Sea Nettle?
30-60 cm
How much does Northern Sea Nettle weigh?
1-5 kg
How long does Northern Sea Nettle live?
1-2 years
What does Northern Sea Nettle eat?
Feeds heavily on a variety of zooplankton, small fish, larval fish, and other jellyfish species drift-caught in its tentacles.
Where is Northern Sea Nettle usually found?
Found in the cold, pelagic and coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly within the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
How does Northern Sea Nettle hunt?
Ambush
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