Cannonball Jellyfish
Stomolophus meleagris · Also known as: cabbagehead jelly, jellyball
Firm, dome-shaped ocean jellies that wash onto Mid-Atlantic beaches. Short tentacles and a mild sting compared with sea nettles.
Quick facts
| Group | Jellyfish / siphonophore |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Offshore / ocean, Inlet, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- Round, firm “cannonball” bell, often with a brown rim; short stubby oral arms underneath.
- Can feel rubbery when stranded; usually whitish to tan.
Biology notes
- Ocean species that drifts with currents; commercially harvested farther south as “jellyballs.”
- Milder sting than long-tentacled nettles, but still not a toy.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Ocean City and Assateague ocean beaches after warm-season onshore winds.
- Nearshore water from the boardwalk on clear days during blooms.
When to look
- Late summer and early fall most often.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Firm bells look handleable—still leave them alone; rinse stings with seawater.
