Species · GBIF taxon 2264478
Lion's Mane Jellyfish
Cyanea capillataAlso known as Giant Jellyfish, Hair Jelly, Sea Blubber
Lion's mane jellyfish drift through cold boreal waters, trailing thousands of fine, hair-like tentacles that can stretch longer than a blue whale. These massive pelagic predators use their sticky, venom-laden tentacles to snare fish, zooplankton, and even other jellyfish, pulling them up into their folded oral arms. During late summer and autumn, massive blooms can clog bays and estuaries, creating a spectacular but hazardous spectacle for coastal observers.
PelagicCold-WaterGiant
Licensed referenceWikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, small fish, ctenophores, and other jellyfish species
- family
- Cyaneidae
- threats
- Climate change, warming ocean temperatures, and marine pollution
- life Span
- Approximately 1 year
NE
Tentacles deliver a painful sting even when washed ashore; maintain a safe distance on beaches.
Tentacles contain nematocysts that inject a painful, burning venom, causing severe skin irritation, redness, and muscle cramps.
Never touch live or dead specimens, and seek immediate medical attention if stung over a large area.- Watch from boats: Observe these giants safely from a kayak or boat as they pulse near the surface.
- Check the strandline: Look for washed-up specimens on northern beaches after storms, but do not touch them.
- Wear protection: Use a thick wetsuit if diving or swimming in waters known for seasonal blooms.