Tuesday the 1st of February, 2022 . . . Main Beach, Iluka, Northern NSW

I was stunned to stumble across one of the worlds largest jellyfish on a beach near me! I honestly did not know what it was, so I did some research and found out it is a Lion's Mane Jellyfish - meaning that it "has all the beauty and bite of a lion"!

They can grow up to a massive 1m across with its trailing tentacles reaching more than 10m in length. Wow!! I found out that their tentacles are very fine (sort of like feathers) and are very difficult to see and will definitely pack a punch if you touch them...so don't!!

Their tentacles can extend outwards in a fan-like trap through which only the smallest of animals can pass without being caught. Some of the larger jellyfish have small fish that live near their bell so they can avoid the stinging tentacles and gives them protection from predators. Smart fish!

Apparently there very few creatures that would approach a Lion's Mane Jellyfish underwater...I know I wouldn't!

They are colourful but can deliver a painful sting, so it's best to stay clear of them both in the water and on the beach.