They may seem like they could easily kill you, but lion’s mane jellyfish are not fatal to humans.
Basic Information
Lion’s mane jellyfish are the world’s largest jellyfish! Their bells can reach 6 ft in diameter, and have a body length longer than a blue whale! So, not only are they the world’s largest jellyfish, but they are also one of the world’s longest creatures!
Lion’s mane jellyfish will float around in colder waters, and are almost always found in the open ocean. Despite this, later on in life, they will move to more coastal waters. The ocean current is what moves these creatures; they cannot move by themselves.
These magnificent creatures have a short lifespan of about one year. At the beginning of their lives, they reproduce asexually, although when they are older than can reproduce sexually.
Appearance
Lion’s mane jellyfish were given the name because their many tentacles resemble the mane of a lion. Lion’s mane jellyfish can have up to 1,200 tentacles, which can reach up to 120 feet in length.
The colour of these creatures changes depending on their age. When younger, their bell is usually orange, and even transparent in colour. In their later stages of life, their bell is dark red to purple in colour. The bells of these creatures are divided into eight segments, each of which contains up to 150 tentacles.
Diet
Lion’s mane jellyfish usually eat a wide variety of sea creatures, but mostly fish and even other jellyfish, such as moon jellyfish. Lion’s mane jellyfish will sting their prey, which stuns them and carry them into their mouths.
Stinging Tentacles
If you were to touch their stinging tentacles, you would be in moderate pain; although there would be no threat to your life. When stung, it is strongly advised not to rub the tentacles and remove the tentacles carefully with tweezers. Vinegar is also a recommended antidote, and you should later wash your hands with warm water.
The tentacles of lion’s mane jellyfish will still remain active, and are not safe to touch, even after they are detached from the body.
Predators
You may think would-be predators would be scared to go anywhere near this creature, because of its colossal size; although this is surprisingly not true.
Lion’s mane jellyfish have a wide array of predators, such as sea turtles, ocean sunfish, and even other jellyfish.
Threats
Lion’s mane jellyfish are not categorised by the IUCN. Although they are not considered endangered or threatened.
Popular Questions, Answered
Are lion’s mane jellyfish deadly?
Lion’s mane jellyfish are not deadly. When stung, it will usually result in some pain; but nothing life threatening. Although if you were to have an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How big can a lion’s mane jellyfish get?
Incredibly big! They are one of the world’s largest jellyfish and the size of their bells is usually 6 feet. The largest recorded had a bell length of 7 feet.
They are also one of the world’s longest animals, reaching lengths of up to 120 feet.
For more information, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion%27s_mane_jellyfish
Are lion’s mane jellyfish bigger than blue whales?
No, they are not bigger than blue whales. But their length can be longer than a blue whale’s.
Is the lion’s mane jellyfish the largest animal in the world?
They aren’t the largest animal in the world, but they are the largest jellyfish, and one of the longest animals in the world!
Fun Fact: Sea turtles will happily feast upon lion’s mane jellyfish; they are completely immune to their sting.
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