PORT PHILLIP BAY


Lion's Mane Jellyfish 

Cyanea annaskala Lendenfeld, 1882

View scientific description and taxonomy

General Description

Top of body (bell) has eight rounded lobes, each lobe with a cleft in the middle. Bell much thicker in middle than at edges. Arms purple throughout, bell deep reddish brown (may be clear in small specimens). Tentacles numerous, long and fine. Bell usually 25 cm across, up to 1 m across.

Biology

This jellyfish has been mistaken for similar species and as a result there is uncertainty around its distribution.

Habitat

Open water, may drift to shore, to depth of 20 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Jellyfishes and allies Jellyfishes

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

Surface Midwater

Max Size

25 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Minor to moderately severe sting possible.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Browne, J.

Jo Browne is a consultant with expertise in ctenophore and cnidarian taxonomy.

citation

Cite this page as:
Browne, J., 2011, Lion's Mane Jellyfish, Cyanea annaskala, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 09 Apr 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/Species/_Species/7761

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