Lion's Mane Jellyfish
The lion's mane jellyfish (*Cyanea capillata*) is one of the largest known species of jellyfish and is found in cold northern waters.
The lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) is one of the largest known species of jellyfish and is found in cold northern waters. It is named for its long, flowing tentacles, which can deliver a painful sting. The species is a marine cnidarian in the class Scyphozoa.
Taxonomy and naming
The lion's mane jellyfish is scientifically named Cyanea capillata and belongs to the class Scyphozoa within the phylum Cnidaria. Its common name refers to the long tentacles that resemble a lion's mane.
Description
This jellyfish is known for a large bell and very long trailing tentacles, which are arranged in eight distinct clusters. Reported size estimates vary, but it is consistently described as one of the largest jellyfish in the world.
Distribution and habitat
The species lives mainly in cold and temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere, especially the Arctic, northern Atlantic, and northern Pacific. It is most often associated with open water, though some sources note occurrences in coastal waters and farther south.
Feeding and behaviour
Lion's mane jellyfish are carnivorous drift predators that feed on small fish, zooplankton, shrimp, and other jellyfish. They capture prey using stinging cells called nematocysts on their tentacles.
Human interactions
The species can deliver a painful sting, and some sources note that symptoms may include irritation, blisters, cramps, or effects on breathing in more serious cases. Human fatalities are reported as rare.
Key facts
- It is considered the largest known jellyfish species.
- Its range is primarily confined to cold waters of the Arctic, northern Atlantic, and northern Pacific Oceans.
- The bell is typically translucent brown to reddish, with long tentacles arranged in eight clusters.
- It is a predator that captures prey with stinging cells on its tentacles.
- Its sting is usually painful and can sometimes affect more than just the skin.
The species is relevant to Canadian readers because it occurs in cold northern Atlantic and northern Pacific waters, including marine areas near Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lion's mane jellyfish?
Where does it live?
How big can it get?
What does it eat?
Is its sting dangerous to humans?
Why is it called a lion's mane jellyfish?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion's_mane_jellyfishSupports: Scientific name, broad range, and claim that it is one of the largest known jellyfish species.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/lions-mane-jellyfishSupports: Taxonomy, cold-water Northern Hemisphere distribution, and status as the largest known jellyfish.
- Oceana — https://www.oceana.org/marine-life/lions-mane-jellyfish/Supports: Bell and tentacle size estimates, habitat, prey, stinging cells, and general behaviour.
- The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/jellyfish/lions-mane-jellyfishSupports: Scientific name, appearance, prey, sting, and occurrence around UK coasts.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium — https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/lions-mane-jellySupports: Size, toxic sting, and rarity of human fatalities.
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science — https://www.vims.edu/bayinfo/jellyfish/guide/lions_mane.phpSupports: Scientific name, size, colour, tentacle arrangement, and sting description.