Lion’s Mane Jelly | Mane, Lion’s, Jellies, Tentacles, Jelly

Lion’s Mane Jelly

Lion’s Mane Jelly (Cyanea capillata) Lion’s mane jellies, or “jellyfish” as they are more commonly called, are the largest jellies in the world. In far northern waters, they can grow up to 8 feet across! However, such large individuals are rare and most that we see in New England waters are less than 1 foot across. Lion’s mane jellies have a broad, flattish bell that is divided into 8 lobes. The color of the bell varies from pink to yellow or brown. Below the bell are hundreds of tentacles that are arranged into 8 main clusters. The lion’s mane jelly actually got its name from its reddish-orange flowing mass of tentacles, which looks like the mane of a lion. These tentacles are lined with stingers and are used to catch prey and defend the colony from predators. The stingers are filled with toxins and are shot out like miniature harpoons to stun or kill prey. Although small fish are the primary prey of the lion’s mane jelly, there are some species, like butterfish, that can safely live within the tentacles. Predators of the lion’s mane jellyfish include sea turtles, especially the leatherback, sea birds and large fish species.

The lion’s mane jelly can open and close its bell to move around to some extent, but it is actually planktonic. This means that it is unable propel itself any great distance in the water and instead travels along with ocean currents. Adult lion’s mane jellyfish are sometimes found in coastal waters but spend most of their time in the open ocean. They are occasionally carried inshore by currents and wind and it is not unusual to find huge swarms of jellies trapped in bays or along beaches. These jellies are usually seen in the New England area during the spring and early summer.

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you may have heard of these jellies before. A lion’s mane jelly was the murder weapon used in the short story entitled, “The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane.” Although not typically lethal, the sting from a lion’s mane is very painful. Even washed up on the beach, lion’s mane jellies or their broken off tentacles can still sting and should not be touched! If you suspect that you have been stung, seek immediate medical help.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email This

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry