Is There any Florida Jellyfish Types?
Jellyfish are found in nearly all of the world’s seas, and Florida waters are certainly no exception. They’re usually seen in warm water areas such as the Gulf Stream, where temperatures are generally above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
But while you might not see them all year round in Florida, it is pretty common for jellyfish to show up in coastal waters as waters begin to cool after the hot summer months. They’re definitely not fish: They’re invertebrates, lacking a backbone. “True jellyfish” belong to a class of cnidarians called Scyphozoa.
Read this article about “Florida Jellyfish Types: 6 Dangerous Jellyfish!“
1. Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
The moon jellyfish is a truly unique creature. This species is found throughout the world’s oceans, ranging from tropical waters to polar regions. These creatures are often referred to as “jellyfish,” although they are actually cnidarians—a group of animals that includes corals, sea anemones, and jellyfishes.
But many of the familiar coastal jellyfish in this country, such as moon jellies and sea nettles, belong to the scyphozoans, some of which can deliver painful (though not usually fatal) stings.
2. Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris)
The Atlantic sea nettle jelly is a species of box jellyfish native to the North Atlantic Ocean. Its scientific name refers to its ability to sting multiple times. In addition to being able to sting repeatedly, it is also capable of releasing venom into the water column, causing a cloud of neurotoxins that can affect marine life up to several kilometers away.
3. Mushroom Cap Jellyfish (Rhopilema verrilli)
Cannonball jellyfish are among the most venomous creatures in the ocean. These jellyfish are found throughout the tropical waters of the world. They are usually found near coral reefs and sandy bottoms. They are also sometimes called “cabbage head” because of the shape of their bell. Their sting causes pain and muscle contractions, and can cause severe allergic reactions.
The toxin produced by the jellyfish is similar to that of the sea nettle. This makes it very dangerous to humans. A single dose of the toxin can kill a human within minutes.
4. Mauve Stinger / Purple Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca)
The mushroom cap jellyfish has been known since 1884, when it was described by William Stimpson. Its scientific name honors Dr. John Verrill, who collected specimens off the coast of New York.
The mushroom cap jelly is one of several species of jellyfish found worldwide. They are usually about 2 cm / 0.8 inch long, although larger specimens have been reported.
Mushroom cap jellies come in a variety of common colours including red, orange, yellow, dark purple, and brown. Some varieties have no visible markings, while others have a distinctive pattern of spots or stripes.
There is often a light-colored pigment around the edge of a mushroom cap jelly, irrespective of the colour of the body. This is caused by the release of mucus into the water during feeding.
5. Box Jellyfish (Cubozoa)
Box jellyfish are one of the world’s most deadly creatures. They’re also some of the smallest — measuring just a few inches across. But despite their small size, the sting from a box jellyfish can still kill someone within minutes.
The venomous creature injects its prey with a neurotoxin that causes severe pain, muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and death. In fact, there are over 50 known species of box jellyfish worldwide, and many of them live off the coast of Florida.
6. Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii)
The lion’s mane jellyfish is a large species of jellyfish that lives along the east coast of Australia. It gets its name because of the large number of tentacles on each arm of this jellyfish. Each tentacle contains nematocysts which are stinging cells, much like those found in other
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