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The lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) is one of the largest jellyfish species in the world, with its bell measuring up to 8 feet in diameter and tentacles extending up to 120 feet in length. It is named after its long, flowing tentacles that resemble the mane of a lion. The lion's mane jellyfish is found in the cold waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, and North Pacific oceans, and it is often seen near the surface of the water during the summer months. The jellyfish feeds on small fish, plankton, and other jellyfish, using its long, stinging tentacles to capture its prey. While its sting is not usually fatal to humans, it can cause pain and discomfort, and in rare cases, it can cause an allergic reaction.
Despite their beauty, lion's mane jellyfish pose a threat to marine ecosystems and fisheries. They compete with fish for food and consume large quantities of zooplankton, which are important for the survival of other marine species. The jellyfish also disrupts fishing operations by clogging up fishing nets and reducing the catch of fish. Climate change and overfishing have been identified as factors that contribute to the increasing population of the lion's mane jellyfish, which has led to concerns about their impact on marine ecosystems and fisheries. Efforts to study and monitor the distribution and abundance of the lion's mane jellyfish are ongoing, with the goal of developing strategies to manage their populations and minimize their impact on the environment.
This image, taken by George Styles, is the overall winner of the 2016 British Wildlife Photography Competition and was taken at Saint Kilda in the water off the island of Hirta, Scotland. It captured a Lion's mane jellyfish.
