Velkojilleen

Velkojilleen, also known as the Great Jellyfish, is a colossal species of jellyfish that belongs to the family Rhizostomatidae. It is one of the largest known species of jellyfish, with bell diameters reaching up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and tentacles that can extend up to 37 meters (121 feet) in length. Velkojilleen is native to the coastal waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the British Isles and the coasts of Norway and Iceland.

The Great Jellyfish is characterized by its translucent bell, which is typically pink or red in color, and its long, trailing tentacles that are lined with stinging cells called cnidocytes. These cells contain nematocysts, which can deliver a painful sting to humans and other animals that come into contact with the tentacles. Despite its size and potential danger, the Great Jellyfish plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by serving as a food source for various predators, including whales, seals, and seabirds.

Velkojilleen is typically found in shallow waters, often near the surface, and is most active during the night. It feeds on small crustaceans and other planktonic organisms, using its long tentacles to capture prey. The Great Jellyfish is a slow-moving creature, and its primary means of locomotion is through the contraction and relaxation of its bell, which propels it through the water.

Due to its size and potential danger, the Great Jellyfish is not typically encountered by humans, and there are no known cases of it causing significant harm to people. However, its presence in coastal waters can be a reminder of the diverse and often unpredictable nature of marine life.