Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) (Linnaeus, 1758)

 

Synonyms: Cyanea arctica, Medusa capillata, giant jellyfish

 

 

Cyanea capillata is the largest known species of jellyfish. It is found in cold waters of the Arctic, northern Atlantic, and northern Pacific Oceans, usually remains near the surface. These jellyfish are pelagic, but many are found in shallow, sheltered bays towards the end of their lifespan. The bell is hemispherical, dark purple to yellowish brown, occasionally colorless; divided into eight lobes. Each lobe bears 70-150 reddish, yellow or transparent tentacles; the oral arms are purple, thick and frilled. The bell diameter in most C. capillata is 30-80 cm, but reaches over 2 m in some large individuals, which may trail their tentacles for more than 30 m. This jellyfish feeds mainly on small fish, comb jellies, and the Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita).

 

		D56490 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56491 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56479 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56473 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56494 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56495 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56442 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56484 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56487 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56493 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56496 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56407 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56497 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56498 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56401 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D56404 Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) Newman Sound Newfoundland, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
Unauthorized use of our images is NOT permitted.
Hotlinking or "pinning" of our images to websites is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev - All Rights Reserved