Nomura's Jellyfish

This huge species inhabits the seas between China and Japan (mainly the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea), and can grow almost as large as the Lion's Mane, up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter, and weigh over 220 kg (450 pounds). 

"It has an enormous umbrella, which is soft as it is mostly made up of liquid. Hanging beneath the umbrella are countless organs known as oral arms as well as thread-like appendages which can be up to 5m long. It moves by riding ocean currents, which sometimes leads to swarms of jellyfish.

[Jellyfish House]

In the last 4 years, the Nomura's Jellyfish has repeatedly invaded the Japanese shores. In some places, this jellyfish density is reported to be "one hundred times higher" than normal. The present sudden proliferation had already been observed in 1958 and in 1995.

It is very difficult to get rid of these giants, because whenever they feel under attack or threatened, Nomura's Jellyfish release billions of sperm or eggs which attach to corals or rocks, and detach and grow into more jellyfish (millions at a time) when conditions are favorable. 

Nomura's stings are very painful, but generally not fatal.

The Nomura's Jellyfish have become such a problem in Japan, that an official committee has been formed to combat them. They are caught in special nets and destroyed and researchers are trying to promote them as a food source: they are sold dried and salted, turned into cookies and a kind of tofu, and a collagen - a product beneficial for the skin- is being extracted from their skin.

These creatures float slowly and aimlessly around, either in a large group or by themselves. They like to be fed and stroked.