UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Blue jellyfish

Cyanea lamarckii

Type

Cnidarians, Jellyfish

Description

Purplish blue lines radiate visibly through the bell-shaped body. Similar in shape to lion’s mane, but much smaller, and with a relatively mild sting - though this can still be painful.

While it appears quite similar to the lion’s mane, it has only recently been classed as a different species.

Location

Found all around the UK, especially in summer

Habitat

Open ocean