The Deep's Lion's Mane jellyfish 'largest in captivity'

Image caption, The Lion's Mane jellyfish in its quarantine tank with assistant Amy Vannet at The Deep aquarium in Hull

A Lion's Mane jellyfish found by a fisherman is thought to be the largest in captivity, an aquarium has said.

The jellyfish, with a 14in (35.5cm) diameter bell and huge pink tentacles, was given to The Deep in Hull after it was found off the East Yorkshire coast.

Deep aquarist Tom Rowe said: "It's the first time I've seen a Lion's Mane in the region and it is by far the largest jellyfish ever displayed at The Deep.

"As far we know its the largest jellyfish in captivity."

The largest Lion's Mane ever recorded was washed up in Massachusetts Bay in 1870, with a bell more than 7ft (2.13m) in diameter and tentacles longer than 120ft (36.57m).

These jellyfish are the largest known species in the world and are usually found in cold waters such as the Arctic, North Atlantic and North Pacific.

They are cannibals and feed on other jellyfish such as moon jellies. Their sting is not fatal to humans.

Mr Rowe said that despite a small tear in its bell, which the team will keep an eye on, the jellyfish was very active and thriving in its new home.

The creature will be on public display by the weekend.