A free diver named Iestyn Morgan, a 21-year-old conservationist from Pembrokeshire, Wales, recently encountered an unusually large lion's mane jellyfish while diving near Trefin Beach. The jellyfish's tentacles, he described, stretched "the length of a bus," with an estimated size of between 10 to 15 metres (32ft 8in to 49ft 2in). This was the first time Morgan had seen a lion's mane jellyfish in Wales, a species typically found in the colder waters of Scotland.
Initially, Morgan thought the jellyfish was a compass jellyfish, a common species in UK waters. However, he soon realized it was far larger than any he had seen before. The jellyfish's tentacles extended "beyond the range of visibility," and their number increased from three to 20. Morgan called the experience "unbelievable," emphasizing the sheer size of the creature.
Lion's mane jellyfish are named for their long, flowing tentacles and are known for their beauty and stinging capability. According to the Wildlife Trusts, they can grow up to 3m (9ft 8in) in body length, with tentacles that can extend over 30 to 36.5 metres (98ft 4in to 119ft 8in). This makes them one of the longest animals on Earth. Dr. Cathy Lucas, a marine biologist from the University of Southampton, confirmed the extraordinary length of the jellyfish seen in Morgan's video. She noted that the tentacles are so long and fine they might not be easily visible and can still sting even after breaking off from the jellyfish. While the sting is described as "nasty" and "the worst in the UK," it is not considered life-threatening. Lucas advised against touching the jellyfish and recommended using a stick to remove any tentacles that come into contact with the skin, followed by washing with warm water to neutralize the sting.
Dr. Lucas explained that lion's mane jellyfish "occasionally" appear along the Welsh coast in late summer or autumn, though they are more commonly found in Scottish waters. Morgan, who is keen on raising awareness about marine life, noted that the presence of jellyfish in Welsh waters is increasing. He has also observed the arrival of warm water species, such as the Triggerfish, which is native to the Mediterranean.
Morgan aims to make aquatic environments more accessible to the public through his content, while ensuring he does not harm the animals. He described creating his content as "very rewarding" and emphasized that his goal is not to "hunt the animals" but to film and swim safely, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine life.
Giant Lion's Mane Jellyfish Spotted Off Welsh Coast
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