Jellyfish have been there in seas for decades and humans have been fascinated by them for so long. People like to consume jellyfish or even like to hang their paintings in their spaces. But here comes an interesting part, though jellyfish have no brain they are way too smart to protect themselves. Their stinging abilities keep the hunters and other predators at bay. One such specie of jellyfish is Lion’s Mane Jellyfish, which is famous for its sting.
But the question rises here if Lion’s Mane Jellyfish sting humans or not. If it does, is that sting dangerous? All of this will be explained in this article. First, let us tell you a little something about the specie in question, the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish. Let’s go.
What Is Lion’s Mane Jellyfish?
Among over 2000 known species of jellyfish, Lion’s Mane bags the first place as the largest jellyfish in the world as it can grow upto 6.5 feet. Its large body has long tentacles, hanging from its bell, which gives a hair-like appearance that’s why the name “Lion’s Mane”. These tentacles are responsible for both their beauty and hunting abilities as they use them to prepare a trap for their prey, capture them, and feed on them.
Do Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Sting?
Yes, Lion’s Mane Jellyfish are known to sting humans. They do it to protect themselves, otherwise, they have no hate towards humans. Once they sting any person, the neurotoxins present in their tentacles will cause a burning sensation in the stung area. Though these stings are not poisonous, sometimes people do develop some allergic reactions which may require medical assistance to be treated.
Symptoms Of A Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Sting
If you get stung by a jellyfish while enjoying swimming and are not sure what stung you- you can look out for these symptoms to see if it was Lion’s Mane jellyfish that bit you. After the sting, a person could feel:
- Localized burning pain
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Swollen red stripes on the body (these could later develop into blisters)
- Allergic reaction-difficulty in breathing
Normally, people only experience localized pain, itching, or some red stripes which get better in some time. But if you experience any allergic reaction which makes you feel nauseous, dizzy, or causes difficulty in breathing then you should immediately go to the nearest hospital or call for medical help.
How To Treat Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Sting?
So, if you get stung by Lion’s Mane, first of all, don’t panic. As it’s not fatal. Simply follow these steps to remove any toxins and manage the pain.
Step 1: If you feel you’ve been stung, immediately come out of the water to inspect the affected area.
Step 2: Once sure that you’ve been bit by Lion’s Mane, look for any remaining tentacles on the skin. If there are any, use any tweezer to remove them. If you don’t have any, call for the Lifeguard’s help who normally have kits to treat such stings.
Step 3: Soak the affected area in a hot water for some time.
Step 4: If you keep feeling unbearable pain, you can take pain relief medicine or can ask a doctor to recommend it to you.
Are Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Dangerous?
No, they are not dangerous. However, their stings can be poisonous for some while others might just experience a bit of pain. There aren’t known attacks of Lion’s Mane jellyfish on humans, so they are not considered fatal to humans. They only feed on sea creatures for their survival. But to avoid their sting, you should avoid coming in contact with these creatures, in water and at the shore as well.
The Final Word
As much as you love to appreciate the beauty of Lion’s Mane jellyfish, it’s best to avoid contact with them as their sting can cause excruciating pain and even some allergic reactions which might need medical assistance. If you get stung, just follow the above-mentioned tips to treat the affected area and you are good to go.
