After doing some additional research on the bright orange jellyfish I found in the river the other day, I am confident that these were Lion’s Mane, also known as “winter” jellyfish.
The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) is a remarkable marine invertebrate known for its striking appearance and size. It is the largest known species of jellyfish, with its bell reaching up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in diameter and tentacles that can extend over 100 feet (30 meters) in length. The jellyfish gets its name from its dense mass of long, trailing tentacles resembling a lion’s mane.
These cold-water dwellers are primarily found in the northern Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. The Lion’s Mane jellyfish has a complex life cycle that starts as a fertilized egg, transitioning into larval and polyp stages, and finally maturing into a medusa. Their diet mainly consists of zooplankton, small fish, and other jellyfish. Although their sting can be painful and cause irritation to humans, it is generally not considered life-threatening. As an integral part of the marine ecosystem, the Lion’s Mane jellyfish plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of ocean life.
(ChatGPT, personal communication, April 11, 2023).
Gear List: (these are amazon affiliate links)
Filming Gear
GoPro HERO9 Black https://amzn.to/43oquA7
DJI Mini SE Drone https://amzn.to/3o4IC1X
Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight Mic https://amzn.to/3MtPoZb
Phone/Gopro Tripod https://amzn.to/3MyHJJd
Gooseneck GoPro Clamp https://amzn.to/3GAhpdE
GoPro Bike / Trekking Pole mount https://amzn.to/3mp5mcu
GoPro Dive Case https://amzn.to/41jiK0t
Leave a Reply