Sightings of the world's largest jellyfish at one of the most popular beaches: its tentacles are twice the length of a city bus
A large number of lion’s mane jellyfish specimens have invaded waters in areas of the U.S. East Coast.
An unusual surge in lion’s mane jellyfish sightings has put beachgoers on alert along several beaches on the Massachusetts coast in the United States.
Known scientifically as Cyanea capillata, the lion’s mane jellyfish is the largest jellyfish species in the world. It has inhabited the oceans for millions of years and is remarkable for its extraordinary size, reaching lengths of up to 30 metres (98 feet), including its tentacles, and bell diameters of more than three metres (10 feet).
The species takes its common name from its long, brightly coloured tentacles, which can be crimson, yellow or orange and resemble the mane of a lion.
Lion’s mane jellyfish are typically found in cold polar waters, often at depths of 4,000 to 6,000 metres. However, they can also occur in more temperate and subtropical regions, and sightings have even been recorded in deep waters off Florida.
Their diet consists mainly of plankton, small fish and other jellyfish that drift into their tentacles with ocean currents. Despite their formidable appearance, they are not active hunters and generally lead solitary lives.
Their relatively passive nature contrasts sharply with the potency of their sting, which can cause intense pain in humans. People can be stung even by tentacles from dead jellyfish washed ashore. Nevertheless, no human deaths have ever been attributed to this species.
The current concern stems from an unusually large number of lion’s mane jellyfish appearing in waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, prompting authorities to urge swimmers to exercise extreme caution when entering the sea.
In social media posts, officials have advised the public not to approach the jellyfish, to report sightings to lifeguards and to keep a safe distance to avoid stings. If stung, experts recommend rinsing the affected area with hot water and using tweezers to remove any remaining tentacle fragments.
A similar mass appearance occurred in these waters during the summer of 2020. Scientists believe the phenomenon may be linked to rising ocean temperatures and greater food availability.
As a result, residents and visitors along this stretch of the U.S. East Coast are being urged to stay vigilant throughout the summer season if they hope to avoid painful encounters with these giant jellyfish.
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