Clinging Jellyfish

Photo of a clinging jellyfish found in Narrow River in June 2018. These jellies are the size of a dime and sometimes sting. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THEM.

In June 2018, NRPA found two specimens of a very small species of jellyfish in Narragansett just north of Middlebridge Marina. We have positively identified these as clinging jellyfish (Gonionemus).

Clinging jellyfish are about the size of a dime and have an orange/brown cross on their transparent bodies with visible tentacles. Sometimes these jellies sting, but often they do not. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THESE JELLIES. From WHOI: “Reactions to stings can range from no discomfort to severe pain, redness at the sting site, and respiratory and/or neurological symptoms. Symptoms can last three to five days. While the sting symptoms can be severe, WHOI researchers are not aware of any documented fatalities associates with US or Sea of Japan populations.”

Dr. Annette Frese Govindarajan, a clinging jellyfish specialist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) has been tracking clinging jellies in the northeast US. She visited Narrow River shortly after the first two specimens were found and took samples for DNA study at her lab.

Watercolor of clinging jellyfish by artist Christina Machinski.

These creatures are called clinging jellyfish because they cling to eelgrass. They are not known to live in open water or high-energy environments such as beaches near ocean waves. Researchers say they generally only see clinging jellyfish in calm, quiet areas where eelgrass or other seaweeds grow. The Middlebridge area of Narrow River has a large population of eelgrass.

To our knowledge, this is the first time that clinging jellies have been found in Narrow River. They have not been documented in Rhode Island except in Potter Pond a few years ago.

There are many links and resources you may find helpful in learning more about clinging jellyfish.

LINKS AND RESOURCES: (click to access)