Comb jellies are aquatic critters that can be found in the ocean and along the coast. They are transparent and jelly-like with bright shimmery bands. Comb jellies are typically found along the East Coast of the United States. Especially in the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia.
Comb jellies are the largest animals that swim with tiny hairs called cilia. The shimmering rainbow-colored bands are made up of tiny hairs called combs–hence the name comb jelly.
Most comb jellies are bioluminescent and emit blue or green light that can only be seen in the dark.
Comb jellies do not have stinging tentacles and they break apart when taken out of water. If you find a comb jelly and would like to observe its shape, gently scoop it out of the water with a clear container. Comb jellies are abundant in the Chesapeake Bay.
Remember: Comb jellies are not jellyfish, do not have stinging tentacles, and they break apart when taken out of water.
