An underwater videographer recently shared stunning footage of the lion’s mane jellyfish, the largest and heaviest jellyfish known. John Roney, who filmed it, described his surprise when he spotted its long tentacle during a dive in the beautiful Salish Sea.
“After following it for over a minute, I finally saw the giant jellyfish,” Roney posted on social media. The video shows the jellyfish’s pale, glowing bell moving gracefully, surrounded by vibrant colors of orange and purple, all set to the calming sound of water.
Lion’s mane jellyfish can grow incredibly large. The biggest recorded specimen had a bell measuring 7 feet across, with tentacles that can stretch up to 120 feet long. Their stinging tentacles help them catch prey like fish and other jellyfish. Roney emphasizes their beauty but warns, “You definitely don’t want to touch this jellyfish.”
While their sting is not lethal, it is known to be moderately painful, according to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The jellyfish has sparked imaginations for years, even appearing as a mysterious character in Arthur Conan Doyle’s story, “The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane.”
Interestingly, the lion’s mane jellyfish often swims far from shore, but it’s essential to be cautious. Unlike their stunning size, the smaller Australian box jellyfish is considered the most venomous marine creature.
In recent years, various studies have shown that jellyfish populations are increasing in many parts of the world, possibly due to climate change and overfishing. These factors disrupt the ecosystems that keep their numbers in check. Social media reactions to jellyfish sightings reflect both awe and fear, with many people marveling at their beauty but also cautioning against getting too close.
Overall, the lion’s mane jellyfish is a striking creature that captures our imagination, reminding us of the wonders and dangers of the ocean.
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