Cannonball Jelly
Stomolophus meleagris
These jellies are a primary food source for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle and are also harvested by humans for food.
- Scientific name
- Stomolophus meleagris
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Cnidaria › Scyphozoa › Rhizostomeae › Stomolophidae › Stomolophus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- aquatic
- Habitat
- Coastal waters, estuaries, and sandy shorelines.
- Diet
- Zooplankton, veligers, and fish eggs.
- Range
- Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Pacific Ocean
- Size
- 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in diameter; weighs up to 1 lb.
- Lifespan
- 3 to 6 months
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Overfishing of predators, plastic pollution, and ocean acidification.
- Safe to approach?
- Generally harmless to humans. Their sting is very mild, but they secrete a toxin-laden mucus that can cause minor skin irritation or eye redness. If contact occurs, rinse with vinegar or salt water and avoid touching your face. Seek medical help only if an allergic reaction occurs.
The cannonball jellyfish ( Stomolophus meleagris ), also known as the cabbagehead jellyfish , is a species of jellyfish in the family Stomolophidae. Its common name derives from its similarity to a cannonball in shape and size. Its dome-shaped bell can reach 25 cm (10 in) in diameter and the rim is sometimes colored with brown pigment. Underneath the body is a cluster of oral arms that extend out around the mouth. These arms function in propulsion and as an aid...
Photo: Richard Stovall, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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