Buzz
Kip Evans
The breathtaking—and venomous—lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) stands as one of the most stunning creatures on Earth. Let’s salute this incredible invertebrate with a nod to its beauty and sting.
1. It Can Reach Lengths of Up to 120 Feet.
In contrast, the largest recorded blue whale measured only 108 feet. However, this jellyfish doesn’t hold the title of the longest creature. Some marine scientists argue that the saltwater bootlace worm (Lineus longissimus) should claim that title, stretching up to 180 feet when fully extended.
2. It Consumes and Excretes Through the Same Opening.
Jellyfish have a unique opening that serves a dual purpose as both a mouth and an anus. At least they’re efficient in their design.
3. It’s Not Immune to Being Eaten.
As shown in this clip (filmed by National Geographic), lion’s mane jellyfish must be wary of hungry anemones. Additionally, leatherback sea turtles have been observed devouring them along the shores of Canada. These reptiles have spikes called oral papillae in their throats, which help move food toward the stomach; they also make it harder for their prey to escape.
4. Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Come in Various Hues.
Larger specimens are typically red or purple, while smaller ones often appear in tints of tannish-orange.
5. One Jellyfish May Have Stung Over 50 People.
June 16, 2010, was an unusual day for New England beachgoers. Between 50 and 100 swimmers were stung along the coasts of Rye, New Hampshire, and when a 40-pound lion’s mane jellyfish carcass was discovered at the scene, authorities suspected they had found the culprit. But can a single jellyfish cause that much chaos?
“It’s certainly not common,” marine biologist Sean Colin told LiveScience, “but it’s certainly within the realm of possibility because they do have so many tentacles if they’re that large.” Colin speculates that, since deceased jellyfish can still sting, the body might have been torn into several large pieces, each of which could have affected unsuspecting swimmers. We’ll probably never know for certain.
6. These Creatures Can Have as Many as 1200 Tentacles.
These tentacles are grouped into eight clusters, each containing between 70 and 150 individual tentacles. Now that’s some serious nightmare material…
7. Sadly, a Famous Image Was Altered.
YouTube
When it comes to awe-inspiring wonders, nature doesn’t require the help of the Internet. You may have come across this image, which is the top result for 'giant jellyfish' on Google Images. Many blogs and news outlets have suggested this is an exceptionally large lion’s mane jellyfish. However, to date, the species has a maximum diameter of only seven and a half feet—much smaller than the enormous creature shown. So what’s going on? As you’ve likely guessed, it’s Photoshopped.
8. It Gets By With a One-Year Lifespan.
Believe it or not, one species of jellyfish may actually be functionally immortal. Unfortunately, the lion’s mane jelly doesn’t share this trait.
9. The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Prefers Cold Waters.
Geir Friestad, Flickr
Typically found in the frigid waters of the Arctic, lion’s mane jellyfish are rarely spotted south of the northern 42nd parallel. They tend to stay near the surface and almost never dip below 66 feet in depth.
10. Like Other Jellyfish, It Reproduces Through Both Sexual and Asexual Means.
Jellyfish undergo various transformations throughout their complex life cycles. Once they reach the 'medusa' stage and become 'adults,' they reproduce by releasing sperm and eggs. However, during the 'polyp' phase, when they are stationary and anchored to the ocean floor, they can clone themselves asexually.
11. Like Other Jellyfish, It (Technically) Doesn’t Have a Brain.
Derek Keats, Flickr
To be fair, despite common misconceptions, these creatures do have central nervous systems—a ring of nerves is located within their 'hoods' (or 'bells'). So there you have it.
12. Some Researchers Believe Their Population is Surging.
Although the verdict is still out, many believe that jellyfish populations may be exploding due to factors like overfishing and increasing global sea temperatures. Who knows? If this turns out to be true, it might mean more dried jellyfish will start showing up at seafood restaurants.
13. Lion's Mane Jellyfish Are Often Found in Groups.
A.Davey, Flickr
C. capillata occasionally swims in massive, kilometer-wide formations called 'shoals.'
14. Fish Schools Often Surround Them.
Although lethal to smaller creatures (including other jellyfish), lion’s mane jellyfish stings have little effect on fish from the Caranx genus, which actively seek out these invertebrates and hover near their tentacles for protection.
15. Sherlock Holmes Once Encountered a Lion's Mane Jellyfish.
Scott Sherrill-Mix, Flickr
The world’s greatest detective had never faced such a gelatinous opponent. In The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane (1926), Holmes deduces that a poor professor was stung to death by one of these spineless predators, which he later tracks down and crushes with a boulder. No word yet on whether Benedict Cumberbatch will face off with one in an upcoming episode.
