The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish Was the Secret to a Sherlock Holmes Mystery

You’ll find lion’s mane jellyfish near the coasts of Alaska, eastern Canada, Washington, and northern Europe. They prefer cold, open seas but can be spotted near shore during jellyfish blooms.

In some years, specimens wash up on beaches, startling swimmers with their size.

Though not ideal for aquariums (due to their size and sting), lion’s manes continue to intrigue marine biologists. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once used a lion’s mane jellyfish as a murder weapon in a Sherlock Holmes story—a nod to its powerful sting and mysterious appearance.

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