SCARBOROUGH Sea Life Centre has taken delivery of the dreaded lions mane jellyfish.

The lions mane jellyfish is the centre's most precarious of creatures with tentacles that can grow up to three metres long and covered with stinging cells.

Listed as one of the largest jellyfish in the world, it was around before dinosaurs and has a body that can grow up to six metres long.

“We are thrilled to have the lions mane jellyfish here at the centre,” said displays curator Lyndsey Crawford.

“Visitors will now be able to view one of the most magnificent jellyfish in the world in a completely safe environment.”

“The animal care team has been provided with safety briefs in looking after these creatures as they can pack an almighty sting."

Though they rarely wash up on the shore, the lions mane jellyfish is quite common off north, east and west coasts of Britain creating a hazard for those choosing to dive off-shore.

“Lions mane jellyfish are distinctive in both their size and magnificent red colouring, but although they may look attractive, they should certainly be avoided at all costs,” said Lyndsey.

“They have a very severe sting that can produce blisters, irritation and muscular cramps and in more serious cases they have been known to affect respiratory and heart function.”

The centres new deliveries are still in their infancy and measure approximately 30 centimetres diameter.