Sea Nettle Classification

Sea nettles or Chysaora are a type of jellyfish that are classified in the Scyphozoa class and Cnidaria phylum. Unlike other jellyfish, sea nettles are capable of stinging for protection and feeding purposes. They are located in all oceans at various depths. Recently, the population of sea nettles has increased. Scientists and researchers contribute this increase to changes in coastal habitats that are favorable for sea nettle occupation. The three types of sea nettles include the Chrysaora fuscescens, Chrysaora achlyos and Chrysaora colorata.

  1. Classification Characteristics

    • Sea nettles are classified in their particular phylum and class based on characteristics that are observed in each of the three types. As part of the Cnidaria phylum, all sea nettles posses stinging cells called nematocysts. The Scyphozoa class denotes the common existence of tentacles and a radial shaped body. The main body of the sea nettle comprises an outer epidermis and an inner gastrodermis, which is separated by a jelly-like material called mesoglea. All sea nettles in this class have one mouth from which they receive sustenance.

    Chrysaora Fuscescen

    • The Chrysaora fuscescen or east coast nettle is a sea nettle with a golden-brown color, which can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The nettle has 24 thin, maroon colored tentacles and whitish oral arms which trail behind the nettle as it travels. The tentacles and arms can be multiple meters long. These nettles are most often seen in the fall and winter near the shores of California, Oregon, Mexico and British Columbia. This nettle feeds on zoo plankton and hinders fishing activities and scientific research when found in dense swarms.

    Chrysaora Achlyos

    • The Chrysaora achlyos or black sea nettle is rarely seen. This sea nettle can be quite large and measure up to 1 meter in diameter with arms and tentacles extending 5 or 6 meters. The black sea nettle can range in color from a opaque dark purple to black with a net-like design on the edges. Most sightings for this type of nettle have been along the coast of Baja and southern California.

    Chrysaora Colorata

    • The Chrysaora colorata or purple-striped jellyfish is the most recognizable sea nettle. The nettle has a radial pattern with purple stripes and can measure up to 70 centimeters in diameter. The arms of this nettle are slightly different than the others in its class and appear to be coiled. When young, the color of this nettle is more pinkish and it has long, thin arms. As the nettle matures, the color of the top deepens and the tentacles shorten and become thicker and paler in appearance.