Cannonball Jelly

Scientific Name

Stomolophus meleagris

Distribution

The cannonball jelly is an uncommon visitor in lower Chesapeake Bay during winter.

Sting

The sting is mild if felt at all.

A cannonball jelly. © Paul Richardson.
Size & Shape

Adults range from the size of a softball to a volleyball. Like the mushroom cap jelly, the cannonball jelly lacks tentacles around the outside of the swimming bell. The outside edge of the bell is smooth compared to the fringing edge of the mushroom cap jelly, and has an overall rounder shape.

Color

The bell is generally white, though the lower edge may be reddish brown.

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