What attacts or induces the Atlantic sea nettle to reproduce is known. This species reproduces both sexually and asexually. (Cargo and Rabenold, 1978; Littleford, 1939)

 

Mating System: Polygynandrous (promiscuous)

 

In their polyp form, Chrysaora quinquecirrha reproduces asexually. This is done through a variety of ways: strobilation, cyst production, and by changing polyp position through the use of stolons. Medusae are able to reproduce sexually. Females catch the sperm released into the water from the mouths of the males. The eggs, which are also held in the mouth, become fertilized, and remain attached to the female's oral arms. As the fertilized eggs develop, they grow into planula. These planula have a flattened, bean shape. Once the polyps develop fully into flower-shaped progeny, they are released into the ocean where they settle, and begin asexual reproduction. The polyp buds to produce identical copies of themselves, and eventually detach to be released into the ocean where it will undergo metamorphosis to the medusa stage. (Cargo and Rabenold, 1978; Littleford, 1939)

 

Key Reproductive Features: Seasonal breeding; Gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); Sexual; Asexual; Fertilization; Fertilization :: Internal; Broadcast (group) spawning; Ovoviviparous

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Fertilized eggs will remain attached to the female parent's oral arms. The eggs into planula on the arms. Once the polyps develop fully into flower-shaped progeny, they are released into the ocean where they settle. (Cargo and Rabenold, 1978; Littleford, 1939)

 

Parental Investment: Altricial; Female parental care; Pre-fertilization; Pre-fertilization :: Protecting; Pre-fertilization :: Protecting :: Female; Pre-hatching/birth; Pre-hatching/birth :: Protecting; Pre-hatching/birth :: Protecting :: Female; Pre-weaning/fledging; Pre-weaning/fledging :: Protecting; Pre-weaning/fledging :: Protecting :: Female; Pre-independence; Pre-independence :: Protecting; Pre-independence :: Protecting :: Female