Chrysaora chesapeakei

The bay nettle is the summer jelly of the Chesapeake Bay, where it is the most common species and can be around from May to October. Until recently it was filed under the Atlantic sea nettle, Chrysaora quinquecirrha, so older guides use that name. An adult has a bell up to 8 inches across with 24 tentacles several feet long and four long, ruffled oral arms. Color is a useful clue: nettles in the fresher upper bay are usually milky white, while those in saltier water often carry reddish-brown to purplish stripes. The sting is moderately painful but not dangerous unless someone has an allergic reaction.