Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Scyphozoa

Order: Semaeostomaeida

Family: Cyaniidae

Scientific name: Cyanea capillata

 

Norwegian: rød brennmanet

(Hellesøy- Hordaland / 4 meters / 7.06.2005)

Distribution: Very common along the entire Norwegian coast.

Characteristics: The color of this jellyfish is vivid yellow, orange or sometimes even red color. Given it significant size (it can reach a diameter of 2 meters) makes it easy to spot, as it pulsates just beneath the surface. Divers need to be aware of the threads. They can reach a length of 30 meters and they have a very unpleasant sting that lasts for a couple of hours.

As most other jellyfishes, they reproduce in spring and die in the winter. However, some survive the winter as larvae. It is only during the fall you can spot the really large individuals. The biggest ones are found in the arctic waters. I have observed huge individuals far from shore, around Norwegian oil platforms.

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