Why is Chironex is dangerous?
The box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri produces extremely potent and rapid-acting venom that is harmful to humans and lethal to prey. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the new toxins belong to a small family of potent cnidarian pore-forming toxins that includes two other C. fleckeri toxins, CfTX-1 and CfTX-2.
Where does the Chironex fleckeri live?
Australia
You can find this species swimming near the northern coast of Australia and all the way up to southeast Asia. They are considered to be native species to Australia, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
Has anyone survived a box jellyfish?
Doctors in Australia have described their amazement at the recovery of a girl who was left unconscious after swimming into the tentacles of a box jellyfish.
What toxin does the box jellyfish have?
The box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, is one of the most venomous animal in the world1. Contact with jellyfish tentacles will trigger the explosive release of nematocysts that deliver potent and rapid-acting venom into the victim or prey.
Who Discovered box jellyfish?
Hugo Flecker
Chironex fleckeri was named after North Queensland toxicologist and radiologist Doctor Hugo Flecker. “On January 20, 1955, when a 5-year-old boy died after being stung in shallow water at Cardwell, North Queensland, Flecker found three types of jellyfish.
How do Chironex fleckeri reproduce?
The Chironex fleckeri reproduces both sexually and asexually. When it is a polyp, it can reproduce asexually through a process called budding. Budding is accomplished when a part of the polyp begins to swell and grows then eventually breaks off of the polyp creating a new one.
How many box jellyfish are in the world?
Taxonomy and systematics. At least 51 species of box jellyfish were known as of 2018. These are grouped into two orders and eight families. A few new species have since been described, and it is likely that additional undescribed species remain.
Can I touch a dead jellyfish?
The concept of getting stung from a postmortem animal might seem a little unsettling, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. If you ever spot a dead jellyfish on a beach, stay away from it. A dead jellyfish retains the menacing ability to sting you.
Can jellyfish cause death?
Box jellyfish stings can be fatal because of the creature’s barbed tentacles containing venom. If you encounter these tentacles, the jellyfish can poison you with immediate effects. Not all stings will cause death.
What adaptations do box jellyfish have?
Adapted for Movement The underside of the bell is shaped like a shelf. This helps the jellyfish catch and expel water when it pulses the bell, and (along with its developed nervous system) allows it to move more quickly. Box jellies can move up to six meters a minute.
What is the box jellyfish scientific name?
Cubozoa
Box jellyfish/Scientific names
Where are Chironex fleckeri found in the world?
Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as the sea wasp, is a species of extremely venomous box jellyfish found in coastal waters from northern Australia and New Guinea to Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. It has been described as “the most lethal jellyfish in the world”, with at least 64 known deaths in Australia from 1884 to 2021.
How did the Chironex fleckeri jellyfish get its name?
He named it Chironex fleckeri, the name being derived from the Greek cheiro meaning “hand”, the Latin nex meaning “murderer”, and “fleckeri” in honour of its discoverer.” Chironex fleckeri is the largest of the cubozoans (collectively called box jellyfish), many of which may carry similarly toxic venom.
What kind of jellyfish is the box jellyfish?
You can learn all about the species Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as the box jellyfish, on this site. This Cubozoan is responsible for more human deaths than stonefish, sharks, and crocodiles combined throughout the globe. Go to the Interactionspage to learn more!
Where does the Chironex jellyfish live in Australia?
Swimming just off the shores of Australia, the Chironex is awaiting its prey, prepared to strike on its next attack. You can learn how this box jellyfish eats by visiting the Nutritionpage. However, its deadly tentacles are only a small part that this jellyfish has to offer.