Lion's Mane jellyfish spotted in Swilly surf

Another Lion's Mane jellyfish has been spotted at a popular beach on Lough Swilly.
A Lion's Mane in the surf at Rathmullan.A Lion's Mane in the surf at Rathmullan.
A Lion's Mane in the surf at Rathmullan.

The animal was spotted by a reader paddling along Rathmullan strand last Friday.

The Lion's Mane (cyanea capillata) can deliver a quite nasty sting. It was witnessed bobbing in the gentle Fanad surf among a number of Compass (chrysaora hysoscella) jellyfish which are far more common.

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According to the Health Service Executive (HSE) the Lion's Mane is the 'most serious jellyfish in Irish waters' and its 'stinging cells are much sharper and can pierce skin easily resulting in a painful sting.'

The animal was spotted among a number of Compass jellyfish which are more common.The animal was spotted among a number of Compass jellyfish which are more common.
The animal was spotted among a number of Compass jellyfish which are more common.

Last month a huge Lion's Mane was encountered across the Swilly at Stragill.

A sting from the jellyfish can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches and other symptoms. On rare occasions people who have been stung may require hospital treatment.

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