17 Types of Jellyfish: From Dangerous Stingers to Harmless Drifters
Delve into the captivating world of 17 different types of jellyfish species. From graceful moon jellies to fearsome box jellyfish, we reveal the mysterious characteristics that make these creatures truly fascinating.
Box Jellyfish
(Chironex fleckeri)
Chironex fleckeri, holds the title of being the largest of the box jellyfish. With a body size that can reach up to one foot in diameter, it commands attention in the waters it inhabits. Its distinguishing feature lies in its thick, bootlace-like tentacles that can stretch up to an impressive length of 10 feet. These long tentacles are armed with extremely venomous cells called nematocysts, making encounters with this species potentially fatal, unless, of course, you are a leatherback sea turtle.
| Scientific Name | Chironex fleckeri |
| Common Names | Australian Box Jelly, Box Jelly, Box Fish |
| Natural Habitat | Coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans |
| Size | Length - up to 10 feet (3 m), Bell size - up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | High |
Moon Jellyfish
(Aurelia aurita)
Moon Jellyfish, scientifically known as Aurelia aurita, are ethereal creatures that gracefully glide through the ocean. With their translucent and bell-shaped bodies, they resemble delicate, floating moons in the water. These jellyfish are frequently encountered in coastal regions globally, and one can often spot sizable gatherings while snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii. Don't let its gentle appearance fool you—while its sting is generally harmless to humans, its presence in large numbers can cause ecological imbalances with population explosions.
| Scientific Name | Aurelia aurita |
| Common Names | Moon Jellies, Saucer Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Size | Length - up to 16 inches (40 cm), Bell size - up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Low |
Sea Nettle
(Chrysaora fuscescens)
The Sea Nettle is renowned for its vibrant and graceful appearance, with long, trailing tentacles and a translucent bell adorned with beautiful red, orange, or brown hues. Its long, flowing tentacles and vibrant coloration make it a true spectacle. Beware, though, for its sting can cause a painful reaction in humans, earning it a moderate venomous rating.
| Scientific Name | Chrysaora fuscescens |
| Common Names | Pacific Sea Nettle, West Coast Sea Nettle |
| Natural Habitat | Coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean |
| Size | Length - up to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 m), Bell size - up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Moderate |
Portuguese Man-of-War
(Physalia physalis)
Get ready to encounter one of the ocean's most intriguing creatures, the Portuguese Man-of-War. Despite its name, this marine hydrozoan is not a true jellyfish but rather a colony of specialized organisms called zooids working together as a single entity. Its unique sail-like structure and venomous tentacles make it a formidable presence in the open seas.
| Scientific Name | Physalia physalis |
| Common Names | Bluebottle, Floating Terror |
| Natural Habitat | Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide |
| Size | Length - up to 165 feet (50 m), Bell size - up to 12 inches (30 cm) long |
| Venomous Rating | High |
Upside-Down Jellyfish
(Cassiopea spp.)
Prepare to witness a jellyfish that defies gravity—the Upside-Down Jellyfish. Unlike their drifting counterparts, these jellies prefer to settle on the seafloor, often inverting themselves and forming clusters that resemble soft coral. This unique behavior, coupled with its symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae, sets it apart from other jellyfish species.
| Scientific Name | Cassiopea spp. |
| Common Names | Upside-Down Sea Jelly, Mangrove Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Shallow, warm coastal waters worldwide |
| Size | Length - up to 12 inches (30 cm), Bell size - up to 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Non-Venomous |
Comb Jelly
(Ctenophora)
Despite its jelly-like appearance, the Comb Jelly is not a jellyfish but belongs to the phylum Ctenophora. Unlike jellyfish, comb jellies do not possess stinging cells. Instead, they capture prey using specialized adhesive cells called colloblasts. These cells secrete a sticky substance that ensnares small marine organisms, which the comb jellies then consume.
| Scientific Name | Ctenophora |
| Common Names | Comb Jellyfish, Sea Walnut |
| Natural Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Size | Length - up to 8 inches (20 cm), Bell size - up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Non-Venomous |
Cannonball Jellyfish
(Stomolophus meleagris)
Named for its round and compact shape resembling a cannonball, a gentle giant of the jellyfish world, this species stands out from its counterparts. With a smooth and firm bell, the Cannonball Jellyfish lacks the long tentacles typically associated with other jellyfish species. Instead, it possesses short, stubby arms that surround its mouth. While its sting is typically mild, it's still advisable to exercise caution when encountering them.
| Scientific Name | Stomolophus meleagris |
| Common Names | Cannonball Jelly, Cabbage Head Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal waters |
| Size | Length - up to 8 inches (20 cm), Bell size - up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Low |
Flower Hat Jellyfish
(Olindias formosa)
This jellyfish earns its name from the vibrant, flower-like pattern on top of its bell, which resembles a decorative hat. The Flower Hat Jellyfish boasts a translucent bell with delicate, frilly edges, adding to its graceful appearance. Its tentacles, adorned with stinging cells, hang beneath the bell and serve as a means to capture prey. While the Flower Hat Jellyfish is not considered highly venomous to humans, contact with its tentacles can still result in moderate skin irritation.
| Scientific Name | Olindias formosa |
| Common Names | Flower Hat Jelly, Crown Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Coastal waters near Japan |
| Size | Length - up to several feet, Bell size - up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Moderate |
Mushroom Jellyfish
(Rhopilema verrilli)
This jellyfish gets its name from its unique umbrella-shaped bell, which resembles the cap of a mushroom. The Mushroom Jellyfish showcases a translucent appearance with delicate oral arms that extend from the center of its bell. Its tentacles, armed with stinging cells, trail below, capturing prey and defending against potential threats. While its venomous rating is generally considered low, caution should still be exercised to avoid direct contact with its tentacles.
| Scientific Name | Rhopilema verrilli |
| Common Names | Mushroom Jelly, Flower Hat Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Indo-Pacific region |
| Size | Length - up to several feet, Bell size - up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Moderate |
Irukandji Jellyfish
(Carukia barnesi)
Prepare to be amazed and alarmed by the Irukandji Jellyfish. Despite its small size, this jellyfish packs a punch with its venomous sting, which can cause Irukandji syndrome—an intense and potentially life-threatening reaction in humans. Found in the waters of Australia, encountering this jellyfish is not for the faint of heart. It is important to note that encounters with the Irukandji Jellyfish are rare, and prompt medical attention should be sought if stung.
| Scientific Name | Carukia barnesi |
| Common Names | Irukandji, Carukia Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Australian coastal waters |
| Size | Length - up to 1 inch (2.5 cm), Bell size - very small, less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | High |
Sea Wasp
(Chironex yamaguchii)
Beware the Sea Wasp, for it is one of the most venomous jellyfish in the world. With its translucent bell and long, tentacle-like appendages, this creature strikes fear into the hearts of swimmers. Found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, encounters with this jellyfish can be extremely dangerous. A single encounter with the Sea Wasp can result in excruciating pain, skin welts, and even cardiac arrest in severe cases.
| Scientific Name | Chironex yamaguchii |
| Common Names | Viper Jellyfish, Hub Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean |
| Size | Length - up to 10 feet (3 m), Bell size - up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | High |
Fire Jellyfish
(Mastigias papua)
The Fire Jellyfish showcases a translucent bell adorned with numerous frilly oral arms, giving it a fiery and ethereal appearance. What sets it apart from other jellyfish species is its ability to photosynthesize. Inside its tissues, it hosts symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This remarkable adaptation gives the Fire Jellyfish its vibrant coloration, often ranging from orange to reddish-brown.
| Scientific Name | Mastigias papua |
| Common Names | Fire Jellyfish, Papua Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean |
| Size | Length - up to several inches, Bell size - up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. |
| Venomous Rating | Low |
Lion's Mane Jellyfish
(Cyanea capillata)
Named after its striking resemblance to a lion's mane, this jellyfish is renowned for its immense size and beautiful appearance. The Lion's Mane Jellyfish holds the title of the largest known jellyfish species and boasts a bell that can grow up to several feet in diameter, with tentacle which can extend over 100 feet long. Its tentacles are lined with stinging cells, capable of delivering a powerful sting to its prey or to unsuspecting swimmers who come into contact with them.
| Scientific Name | Cyanea capillata |
| Common Names | Lion's Mane Jellyfish, Giant Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Cold waters of the northern hemisphere |
| Size | Length - over 100 feet (30 m), Bell size - up to 7 feet or 2 m) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Moderate |
Box-within-a-Box Jellyfish
(Tamoya haplonema)
This jellyfish stands out due to its distinctive bell structure, which appears as if it has a smaller box-like bell nestled within a larger one. The Box-within-a-Box Jellyfish showcases a transparent bell with intricate patterns and delicate tentacles hanging below. While its venomous rating is considered moderate, encounters with this jellyfish should be approached with caution.
| Scientific Name | Tamoya haplonema |
| Common Names | Box-within-a-Box Jellyfish, Cube Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Warm coastal waters |
| Size | Length - up to 8 inches (20 cm), Bell size - up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Moderate |
Sea Snake Jellyfish
(Chrysaora quinquecirrha)
Known for its graceful and flowing tentacles, the Sea Nettle is a captivating sight in the water. With its elongated, ribbon-like tentacles and translucent bell, this species is a mesmerizing sight. Found in the Atlantic Ocean, its sting is relatively mild, earning it a low venomous rating.
| Scientific Name | Chrysaora quinquecirrha |
| Common Names | Sea Snake Jellyfish, Atlantic Sea Nettle |
| Natural Habitat | Atlantic coastal waters |
| Size | Length - tentacles can extend several feet, Bell size - up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Low |
Immortal Jellyfish
(Turritopsis dohrnii)
Prepare to be amazed by the remarkable abilities of the Immortal Jellyfish. The Immortal Jellyfish or Benjamin Button Jellyfish, is a remarkable species that has captured the fascination of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. What makes this jellyfish truly extraordinary is its unique ability to revert its cells back to their earliest form, essentially reversing the aging process and enabling it to achieve potential immortality. Its existence challenges our understanding of mortality and opens up new avenues for exploring the possibilities of extending human lifespan.
| Scientific Name | Turritopsis dohrnii |
| Common Names | Immortal Jellyfish, Benjamin Button Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Size | Length - up to 0.18 inches (0.5 cm), Bell size - very small, less than 0.1 inch (0.3 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Non-Venomous |
Blue Blubber Jellyfish
(Catostylus mosaicus)
The Blue Blubber Jellyfish is characterized by its dome-shaped bell, which can reach sizes of up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. It possesses short, stout tentacles that fringe the edge of its bell, often with a delicate, frilly appearance. Despite its large size, its mild venomous sting poses minimal threat to humans, making it a fascinating yet harmless presence.
| Scientific Name | Catostylus mosaicus |
| Common Names | Blue Blubber Jellyfish, Blue Jellyfish |
| Natural Habitat | Indo-Pacific region |
| Size | Length - up to 16 inches (40 cm), Bell size - up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
| Venomous Rating | Low |
The most dangerous jellyfish species
To ensure the safety of beachgoers, swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, it is crucial to understand the distinction between different jellyfish species. We have created an informative infographic highlighting some of the most dangerous types of jellyfish, allowing you to recognize and be prepared for potential encounters.
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How to protect yourself from stinging jellyfish
While jellyfish may captivate us with their ethereal grace, their stings can range from mildly irritating to potentially dangerous. By adopting these preventive measures, you can enjoy your time in the water while minimizing the risks associated with these captivating yet potentially hazardous sea creatures.
Protective Clothing: Wear lightweight, full-coverage clothing such as rash guards or snorkel wetsuits to reduce exposed skin and minimize the chances of jellyfish stings.
Be Informed: Familiarize yourself with the types of jellyfish that inhabit the area where you will be swimming or engaging in water activities. Understand their habits, preferred habitats, and peak seasons to be more aware of potential encounters.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for signs, warnings, or flag systems indicating jellyfish activity in the area. If you notice jellyfish in the water, consider avoiding swimming until they have cleared out.
Respect Their Space: Avoid touching or approaching jellyfish, even if they appear to be inactive or washed up on the beach. Some species can still sting even when stranded.
Show some love with these jelly-ous gifts
Unleash your inner jellyfish fanatic with our handpicked sea-spirited gift ideas.
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thank you for this page, I absolutely LOVEEEE jellyfish and this expands my hobby to the next level also thanks for giving me a warning for the jelly fish 4 years to late lol😂😂. I was stung in 2020 all around my legs. safe to say im not going back to that beach any time soon
