- Type: Cnidaria (Coelenterata) Hatschek, 1888 = Coelenterates, cnidarians
- Subphylum: Medusozoa = Jellyfish-producing
- Class: Scyphozoa Götte, 1887 = Scyphozoa
- Order: Semaeostomeae = Discomedousae
- Genus: Cyanea = Arctic cyanea
- Species: Cyanea capillata (Linnaeus, 1758) = Hairy cyanea (giant arctic jellyfish; lion's mane jellyfish)
Hairy or arctic cyanea (Cyanea capillata, synonym - C. arctica) is a species of scyphoid from the order of disc jellyfish, in which the jellyfish stage reaches very large sizes. The Arctic cyanea is the largest jellyfish in the World Ocean. In large specimens, which are not found very often, the diameter of the dome can reach 2 m, while the tentacles of such unique specimens can stretch up to 20 m. Moreover, the largest jellyfish had tentacles 36.5 meters long, with an umbrella diameter of almost 2.3 meters . But usually most cyanea grow no more than 50-60 cm. This species also has another very interesting name: Lion's mane jellyfish
Hairy cyanide has a wide range: it can be found in almost all northern seas of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. At the same time, cyanea is found only in the surface layers of water and does not float far from the shores. In warmer seas, like the Black and Seas of Azov this disc jellyfish is not found.
The body of Arctic cyanide can have a variety of colors, but red and brown tones usually predominate in it. The upper part of the dome in adult specimens is yellowish, and its edges are usually red. The oral lobes of cyanea are raspberry-red. The marginal tentacles are usually light in color, pink and purple. Unlike adults, young individuals are much brighter in color.
The edges of the cyanea bell, which has a hemispherical shape, are transformed into 16 blades separated from each other by cutouts. At the same time, at the base of these notches are the marginal bodies of the rhopalia, which contain sensory organs such as vision (in the form of eyes) and balance - their role is played by statocysts. The marginal tentacles are long, they are attached to the inner concave side of the dome under the lobes between the rhopalia. The marginal tentacles are collected in 8 bundles. The mouth opening is located in the center of the lower part of the dome. It is surrounded by large, folded oral lobes hanging down like curtains. The digestive system is quite branched. Its radial canals extend from the stomach, then enter the oral and marginal lobes of the bell, where they form additional branches.
In its life cycle, cyanea has a succession of two generations: sexual and asexual. The sexual or medusoid generation leads an active lifestyle and lives in the water column, while individuals of the asexual polypoid generation lead an attached bottom lifestyle.
Jellyfish of the sexual generation cyanea are dioecious. Reproduction occurs as follows. Cyana males release mature sperm into the water through their mouth. From here they penetrate into the brood chambers of females, which are located in the oral lobes, where fertilization of the eggs occurs, and then their further development. Motile planula larvae emerging from fertilized eggs leave the female's brood chambers. They swim in the water column for several days, and then, having chosen a suitable place, attach to the substrate. After this, the larva transforms into a single polyp, which is called a scyphistoma. At this stage, the polyp actively feeds, due to which it increases in size. It, by budding daughter scyphistomas from itself, can thus reproduce asexually. In the spring, the process of strobilation or transverse division of the scyphistoma occurs, as a result of which active larvae of ethereal jellyfish are formed. In appearance, they resemble transparent stars with eight rays. At this stage of development, they do not have marginal tentacles and oral lobes. The ethers break away from the mother scyphistoma and float away, and by mid-summer they gradually turn into jellyfish.
Cyanean jellyfish most of the time float freely in the near-surface layer of ocean water, periodically contracting their dome and flapping their edge blades. At the same time, the numerous tentacles of the jellyfish are straightened and extended to their full length. Cyaneas are predators, so their long tentacles, densely packed with stinging cells, form a dense trapping network under the dome. When the stinging cells are fired, a strong poison penetrates the victim's body, as a result of which small aquatic animals die, and significant damage to the body is caused to larger ones. The main prey of cyanides are various planktonic organisms, including other jellyfish.
The Arctic cyanide jellyfish is also dangerous for humans, since its tentacles can inflict very painful burns on careless divers. Basically, the burn leaves only local redness on the body of the stung person, which goes away over time, but one death has also been recorded...
Arctic cyanide - what is it?
The largest jellyfish in the world is the Arctic cyanide, whose tentacles reach twenty meters in size and whose body is two meters long. This type of marine animal is characterized by a red and also brown tint to the body, although it is possible to meet representatives of this type of animal of a different color in the underwater world. The oral cavity of the jellyfish is painted predominantly in a bright crimson color. It should be noted that the youngest individuals have the brightest shades of the oral cavities.
Life activityThe stage of growth and development of cyanea is completely identical to all other jellyfish that live in water. After birth, the jellyfish looks like a small larva and moves freely in the water. Having wandered in the water column, the arctic cyanide attaches to the polyps, because for its further development it must necessarily join another body. This is necessary for the jellyfish because it itself is not yet able to provide itself with adequate nutrition. Feeding on polyps, cyanea gradually grows and becomes large sizes. After some time, larvae emerge from the polyp, which look like a transparent creature and resemble stars. Each larva gradually grows into a full-fledged Arctic cyanide - an adult, viable individual.
Cyanea habitat
Arctic cyanide is found in the northern seas of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. This animal prefers to swim closer to the upper layers of water, while its movements are confident, but rather leisurely. To start moving around water depths, the jellyfish brings its dome-shaped body into a state of contraction using the blades. This type of sea inhabitants belongs to the order of predators; nature has provided them with long tentacles that serve as food providers for them. Cyanea is always in a state of readiness to capture a victim and is capable of killing any small creature that falls into its “paws” within a matter of seconds. Large marine animals are in danger of being paralyzed by the poison of the cyanide, which it releases into its prey. Paralyzed prey also becomes food for the jellyfish.
For whom is cyanea poison dangerous?
All marine animals, including its relatives - jellyfish of other species, are at risk of becoming dinner for cyanea. It can be quite difficult for Pisces to protect themselves from the attack of cyanea and elude its terrible pursuit. Meanwhile, a person need not fear for his life in a collision with this sea monster. The poison of this jellyfish is not fatal to people; they may not even experience any unpleasant sensation after the Arctic cyanea tries to use its “weapon of death” on them. However, “acquaintance” with jellyfish for allergy sufferers can result in unpleasant health consequences - people who suffer from allergies and have a low level of immunity should remember this.
Cyanea diet
Among the best delicacies, the Arctic cyanide (photo in the article) prefers to eat all representatives of crustaceans, small fish and plankton. But in the event of total famine, it is quite possible for cyanide to attack other jellyfish. The combat readiness of the Arctic cyanide is evidenced by a certain characteristic pose of the animal, namely: when the jellyfish floats to the very surface of the water and waits for the victim, it spreads its tentacles to the sides. Fish swimming close to the jellyfish mistake its body for a bunch of algae, but immediately receive a lethal dose of poison and become food for the cyanide. The sea monster moves the killed victim to its mouth and eats it. The largest representatives of this type of jellyfish are most often found in the Arctic Ocean; their sizes closer to the southern parts are much smaller.
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Notes
Literature
- Illustrated Atlas of Invertebrates White Sea. Moscow: Partnership of Scientific Publications KMK. 2006.
- Mentioned in the story "The Lion's Mane" by Arthur Conan Doyle ISBN 5-85735-005-0 (vol. 3)
An excerpt characterizing the Hairy Cyanea
Anatole Lately moved to Dolokhov. The plan to kidnap Rostova had been thought out and prepared by Dolokhov for several days, and on the day when Sonya, having overheard Natasha at the door, decided to protect her, this plan had to be carried out. Natasha promised to go out to Kuragin’s back porch at ten o’clock in the evening. Kuragin had to put her in a prepared troika and take her 60 versts from Moscow to the village of Kamenka, where a disrobed priest was prepared who was supposed to marry them. In Kamenka, a setup was ready that was supposed to take them to the Warsaw road and there they were supposed to ride abroad on postal ones.
Anatole had a passport, and a travel document, and ten thousand money taken from his sister, and ten thousand borrowed through Dolokhov.
Two witnesses - Khvostikov, a former clerk, whom Dolokhov used for games, and Makarin, a retired hussar, a good-natured and weak man who had boundless love for Kuragin - were sitting in the first room having tea.
In Dolokhov’s large office, decorated from walls to ceiling with Persian carpets, bear skins and weapons, Dolokhov sat in a traveling beshmet and boots in front of an open bureau on which lay abacus and stacks of money. Anatole, in an unbuttoned uniform, walked from the room where the witnesses were sitting, through the office into the back room, where his French footman and others were packing the last things. Dolokhov counted the money and wrote it down.
“Well,” he said, “Khvostikov needs to be given two thousand.”
“Well, give it to me,” said Anatole.
– Makarka (that’s what they called Makarina), this one will selflessly go through fire and water for you. Well, the score is over,” said Dolokhov, showing him the note. - So?
“Yes, of course, so,” said Anatole, apparently not listening to Dolokhov and with a smile that never left his face, looking ahead of him.
Dolokhov slammed the bureau and turned to Anatoly with a mocking smile.
– You know what, give it all up: there’s still time! - he said.
- Fool! - said Anatole. - Stop talking nonsense. If only you knew... The devil knows what it is!
“Come on,” said Dolokhov. - I'm telling you the truth. Is this a joke you're starting?
- Well, again, teasing again? Go to hell! Eh?...” Anatole said with a wince. - Really, I have no time for your stupid jokes. - And he left the room.
Dolokhov smiled contemptuously and condescendingly when Anatole left.
“Wait,” he said after Anatoly, “I’m not joking, I mean business, come, come here.”
Anatole entered the room again and, trying to concentrate his attention, looked at Dolokhov, obviously involuntarily submitting to him.
– Listen to me, I’m telling you for the last time. Why should I joke with you? Did I contradict you? Who arranged everything for you, who found the priest, who took the passport, who got the money? All I.
- Well, thank you. Do you think I'm not grateful to you? – Anatol sighed and hugged Dolokhov.
“I helped you, but I still have to tell you the truth: it’s a dangerous matter and, if you look at it, stupid.” Well, you take her away, okay. Will they leave it like that? It turns out that you are married. After all, they will bring you to criminal court...
- Ah! nonsense, nonsense! – Anatole spoke again, wincing. - After all, I explained it to you. A? - And Anatole, with that special passion (which stupid people have) for the conclusion that they reach with their minds, repeated the reasoning that he repeated to Dolokhov a hundred times. “After all, I explained to you, I decided: if this marriage is invalid,” he said, bending his finger, “then I don’t answer; Well, if it’s real, it doesn’t matter: no one abroad will know this, right? And don't talk, don't talk, don't talk!
- Really, come on! You will only tie yourself...
“Get to hell,” said Anatole and, holding his hair, he went into another room and immediately returned and sat down with his feet on a chair close in front of Dolokhov. - The devil knows what it is! A? Look how it beats! “He took Dolokhov’s hand and put it to his heart. - Ah! quel pied, mon cher, quel regard! Undeesse!! [ABOUT! What a leg, my friend, what a look! Goddess!!] Huh?
Dolokhov, smiling coldly and shining with his beautiful, insolent eyes, looked at him, apparently wanting to have more fun with him.
- Well, the money will come out, then what?
- What then? A? – Anatole repeated with sincere bewilderment at the thought of the future. - What then? I don’t know what’s there... Well, what nonsense to talk about! – He looked at his watch. - It's time!
Anatole went into the back room.
- Well, will you be there soon? Digging around here! - he shouted at the servants.
Dolokhov removed the money and, shouting to the man to order food and drink for the road, he entered the room where Khvostikov and Makarin were sitting.
Anatole was lying in the office, leaning on his arm, on the sofa, smiling thoughtfully and gently whispering something to himself with his beautiful mouth.
The seas and oceans of our planet are inhabited by unusual and beautiful creatures - jellyfish. Their shape, color and graceful movements fascinate with their sophisticated beauty. And one of the most interesting representatives of the large family of scyphoid jellyfish is an amazing creature - the Arctic cyanea - the largest jellyfish in the world. It is also known under such names as hairy cyanea, as well as lion's mane. Let's get to know this Arctic beauty better.
The largest jellyfish in the world
These interesting scyphoid representatives have tentacles that can reach up to thirty-seven meters in length, and their domes can reach 2.5 meters in diameter. Also, the Arctic cyanide takes 1st place in the list of “the longest animal on the planet.”
The largest jellyfish in the world belongs to the order Discomedus.
Habitat
Arctic cyanea is an inhabitant of moderately cold and cold waters. Although it can sometimes be found off the warm Australian coast, it is most common in the northern seas of the Pacific, Atlantic and open cold waters of the Arctic seas. 
Appearance
The body of these jellyfish can differ in a variety of colors, with a predominance of red-brown shades.
The dome of the largest jellyfish in the world is also divided into eight parts, which gives it the appearance of an 8-pointed star. 
This individual is the largest of all officially recorded giant Arctic cyanids.
Lifestyle
These creatures spend most of their lives in “free” swimming – hovering on the surface sea waters, only periodically making contractions with its gelatinous dome and flapping its outer blades.
Arctic cyanide is a very active predator, feeding on plankton, various crustaceans and small fish. When there are particularly difficult “hunger years,” the largest jellyfish in the world is able to withstand a long hunger strike. But there are known cases when these creatures turn into cannibals, without “a twinge of conscience” devouring their own relatives.
Reproduction
Arctic cyanides can be either female or male. 
Human interaction
Among scuba diving enthusiasts, Arctic cyanea is known for its painful burns. It does not pose a serious threat to humans, since its poison is not strong enough to be fatal. Although there is only one recorded death from lion's mane poison. But this poison can cause a fairly strong allergic reaction.
This amazing creature “plows” the vastness of the World Ocean. And with other, the most “bright” and unusual representatives of scyphoids. We will continue our acquaintance on the pages of our online magazine! See you!
Jellyfish are the oldest Marine life, which appeared hundreds of millions of years ago. These underwater inhabitants got their name because of their resemblance to the mythical creature - Medusa Gorgon. The body of these animal representatives sea world more than 90% consists of water. Their favorite habitat is salt waters. Translucent creatures are the object of research by scientists. The poisonous and largest jellyfish are of particular interest.
10. Irukandji Medusa | 10 centimeters
- one of the most poisonous Pacific jellyfish. The main habitat is Australian waters. The diameter of its dome is about 10 centimeters. Irukandji has four tentacles, the length of which can reach 1 meter. A jellyfish sting is dangerous to humans and can cause a number of unpleasant consequences: pain throughout the body, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and even pulmonary edema. In rare cases, death may occur. Irukaji's venom has a slow-acting property, so symptoms may appear over several days. Despite its small size, it poses a certain risk for swimmers.
9. Medusa Pelagia | 12 centimeters
(Night Light) is one of the most beautiful disc jellyfish, which is common in the waters of the World and Atlantic Oceans, as well as in the Red and Mediterranean Seas. The body diameter of the jellyfish reaches 12 centimeters. The color of the umbrella is purple-red and has ornate frills around the edges. In addition to stinging cells and tentacles, Pelagia has four oral cavities. The jellyfish begins to glow the moment it comes into contact with any objects. The main living creatures that the Nightlight feeds on are benthos, sometimes fry and crustaceans. The jellyfish poses a certain danger to humans, since its injected poison causes burns and, in some cases, shock.
8. Portuguese Man of War | 25 centimeters
(Physalia) - a jellyfish is a “sailboat”-shaped bubble floating on the surface of the water. The body of the “sailfish” is 25 centimeters, but the tentacles of Physalia can reach 50 meters, which it hides under water. It has a beautiful blue or purple color. The Portuguese man-of-war prefers to feed on fish larvae and small squid. Physalia is one of the most poisonous sea jellyfish. Upon contact with its tentacles, a person receives a severe burn, which is accompanied by acute pain. The injected poison can paralyze all vital organs, so it is difficult for a stung swimmer to stay on the water, and the person drowns. The Portuguese man-of-war is easy to spot from afar, thanks to its bright and beautiful coloring, so you can avoid encountering it while sailing.
7. Aurelia | 40 centimeters
(Eared jellyfish) is one of the most common types of large jellyfish. Aurelia's body is almost transparent and reaches 40 centimeters. Numerous thin tentacles have stinging cells that strike prey. Four oral lobes resemble drooping ears, which is why Aurelia received the name Ushastaya. This species feeds mainly on plankton and crustaceans. The eared jellyfish does not pose a danger to humans, and its bite can only cause a burn. In Asian countries, Aurelia is used to prepare exotic dishes.
6. Australian Sea Wasp | 45 centimeters
- the most poisonous inhabitant of the World Ocean. The main habitat of the species is the coasts of Indonesia and Australia. The dome of the Sea Wasp is 45 centimeters and is equipped with 60 tentacles, which can reach more than 3 meters when hunting prey. The sea animal has 24 eyes. It instantly stings a passing object in several places at once. Death from poisonous jellyfish stings can occur in just a few minutes. A swimmer who is stung receives enough to cause a heart attack and often drowns. It is quite difficult to notice this jellyfish due to its transparency. The Australian wasp feeds on small fish and shrimp.
5. Cornerot | 60 centimeters
- one of largest sea jellyfish, living in Black and Mediterranean seas. The weight of the sea dweller can reach 10 kg, and the diameter of the dome is 60 centimeters. For humans, Cornerot poses no danger and can only cause mild irritation upon contact with the tentacles. The cornerota umbrella is a “haven” for small fish that hide under the dome from danger. This species feeds only on plankton. Jellyfish are actively used in medicine for the preparation of medicines, as well as in cooking. In Japan, Thailand and China, a variety of dishes are prepared from Cornerot.
4. Purple Striped Jellyfish | 70 centimeters
- one of the largest and most graceful jellyfish that lives in the Gulf of Monterey. The dome of the animal reaches 70 centimeters and has a rich color. A Purple Jellyfish sting can cause severe burns to a person. This species has not yet been thoroughly studied by science, so there is very little information about the animal.
3. Medusa Chrysaora | 1 meter
(Sea nettle) - an inhabitant of the Pacific Ocean reveals the three largest jellyfish in the world. The body of an adult Chryasora can reach 1 meter, and its numerous tentacles can reach 4 meters. Tentacles severed from the body can exist separately in sea depths for several weeks and sting. Sea nettle stings leave burns in the form of thin welts. Victims experience sharp pain and burning, but do not pose a danger to human health. Chryasora is one of the most beautiful representatives of its species, so the animal is often kept in oceanariums and aquariums. In the ocean, sea nettle feeds on plankton and small jellyfish.
2. Bell of Nomura | 2 meters
(Lion's mane) - one of the largest species of jellyfish living in the seas Far East. Nomura measures 2 meters in size and can weigh up to 200 kg. Marine animals cause harm to the fishing industry. A giant hairy ball gets caught in the net, tangling it. When the fishermen try to free the net, Nomura sharply stings the man. In case of an allergic reaction to the poison, death from a Lion's mane bite is possible. From time to time, large accumulations of Nomura are observed off the coast of the Sea of Japan.
1. Hairy Cyanea | 2.3 meters
- ranks first among the giant jellyfish in the world. The body of individual individuals of Cyanea can reach 2.3 meters, and the length of the tentacles is 37 meters. The main habitat of this species is seas and oceans. These jellyfish rarely approach the shores and prefer to exist at depths of 20 meters. Giant Cyanea does not pose a serious danger to humans. Its bite can only cause a burn. Large individuals feed on plankton and other jellyfish.
