A 21-year-old conservationist has documented an exceptionally large lion’s mane jellyfish swimming off the coast of Pembrokeshire, describing the encounter as an extraordinary stroke of luck.
Iestyn Morgan, who produces social media footage to highlight marine environmental threats, reported seeing the creature near Trefin Beach. He estimated the bell alone measured between 10 and 15 metres, while the trailing tentacles extended well beyond the limits of visibility, likening the animal’s length to that of a bus or small train.
Morgan initially suspected the species was a native compass jellyfish due to its presence in UK waters but quickly realized the sheer scale indicated a lion’s mane. The species is typically associated with colder Scottish waters, making this sighting rare for Wales.
Dr Cathy Lucas, a marine biologist at the University of Southampton, noted that while the lion’s mane possesses the most potent sting in UK waters, it is not considered dangerous to humans. She advised that contact should be avoided and that any stings be treated by flicking off tentacle fragments with a stick and rinsing the area with warm water.
According to the Wildlife Trusts, lion’s mane tentacles can reach lengths exceeding 30 metres, classifying the animal as one of the longest creatures on Earth. While they occasionally drift toward the Welsh coast in late summer and autumn, Scotland remains their primary British habitat.
Morgan observed a broader trend of increasing jellyfish activity in local waters, including the appearance of Mediterranean species such as the triggerfish. He attributed this shift to rising water temperatures but emphasized his commitment to observing marine life without disturbing it.
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