Stomolophus meleagris

(Cannonball Jellyfish)

Size

Colony diamteter: reaching 20cm (8")

Recognition Characters

Hemispherical in shape. Below the bell hangs a short but firm gristlelike feeding apparatus. There are no tentacles. Overall the jellyfish is very firm to the touch.

Color

Bell is white trimmed by a chocolate brown band around the free edge.

Habitat & Depth

Floats near surface of open ocean waters over continental shelves.

Distribution at GRNMS

Abundant. Very common during summer and fall months.

Geographic Range

North Carolina south to the Caribbean. West Indies and Bermuda

Behavior & Notes

This species does not produce a virulent sting. Juveniles of the spider crab, Libinia dubia, are often found associated with S. meleagris and located under the umbrella.

Synonyms

References

Ruppert and Fox 1988