Nutrition

Feeding

The Lion's mane jellyfish is a voracious predator and is so successful due to its large tentacles reaching upwards of 200 feet.   There are 8 groups, all of which contain approximately 150 tentacles!  Lining these tentacles are stinging cells called cnidocytes. To learn more about these cnidocytes the Lion's Mane uses to capture its prey, visit my Modifications page!  Cyanea capillata use not only its enormous number of tentacles to capture prey, but also its extended oral arms that are about the length of the bell.  Once it has captured its meal, it uses the oral arms to bring its prey to its mouth.  You can see this process in action in the picture to the right of this text.  This picture was obtained through Alexander Semenov.  The mouth then starts to break down the organism and distribute nutrients through the radial canals.  These radial canals provide the tentacles with enough nutrients to move the organism and hunt its prey.  You can see a more detailed image of a Lion's Mane's morphology also on my adaptations page.  If you want to check out an even more voracious  organism, look at Phoneutria fera (Brazilian wandering spider)!

Prey

 Cyanea capillata is an outstanding predator that many organisms under the sea fear.  One of the Lion's Mane's favorite meals is the moon jelly (Aurelia aurita) which you can find in the Classification page! Another very important organism the Lion's mane consumes is the Comb jelly.  Comb jellies have been gaining attention because they have been decimating the zooplankton in the local communities. This had horrific side affects to the ecosystem as a whole.  Do not worry, Cyanea capillata is here!  The Lion's Mane is a natural predator of the Comb jelly.  There is a large debate on whether or not to introduce more Lion's Mane to the areas being overrun with Comb jellies.  You can find an image of a Lion's Mane eating a comb jelly in my Facts page!  Yet another interesting meal of the Lion's Mane is Sagitta minima.  These arrow worms are skilled predators in its own way but are no match for the Lions mane.  You can see an image of Cyanea capillata consuming an arrow worm to the left of this text.  This photo was obtained through Alexander Semenov. Since Cyanea capillata is a well known hunter it should not surprise you that its list of entrees is not finished. The next victim of the Lion's Mane is Sarsia tubulosa.  This tiny jellyfish is a good snack for the giant Lion's Mane.  You can see an image of this meal in action to the right of this text.  This photo was also taken by Alexander Semenov.  Cyanea capillata also eats other Lion's Manes, krill, and some small fish. 

 

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