Lion’s Mane Jelly (Cyanea capillata)

Description: Lion’s Mane typically have a redish brown bell but can also look yellow or pink. They have many long tentacles that look bushy or shaggy in the water. Lion’s mane are the largest species of jelly in the world, typically around 50cm (20 in) across the bell, with tentacles around 3m long (10 ft), but they have been known to grow as large as 2.5m (10ft) across and 36m (120ft) long.

Habitat: Most commonly found from Arctic waters down to Washington state, but sometimes seen on the Oregon Coast.

Diet: This large species feeds on small animals including zooplankton, crustaceans, fish, and other jellies.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

•  Several species of fish have developed a resistance to the sting of this jelly and have incorporated lions mane tentacle into their diets.

• Although considered a “giant jelly”, Lion’s manes are usually smaller when found on the Oregon coast, the largest individuals are found in arctic waters.

• A Lion’s mane jelly was the featured murder weapon in a Sherlock Holmes story.

Reference: Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Science Federation