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Box Jellyfish
"Cubomedusae", from Ernst Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur, 1904
"Cubomedusae", from Ernst Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur, 1904
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Cubozoa
Werner, 1975
Order: Cubomedusae
Haeckel 1877
Families

see text
Jellyfish net enclosure at Ellis Beach, Queensland
Jellyfish net enclosure at Ellis Beach, Queensland

Box jellyfish are invertebrates belonging to the class Cubozoa, named for their cube-shaped medusae. Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel ( February 16, 1834 — August 9, 1919)also written von Haeckel, was an eminent German Kunstformen der Natur ( German: Art Forms of Nature) is a book of lithographic and Autotype prints by German biologist Cnidaria (naɪˈdɛəriə is a phylum containing some 9000 Species of Animals found exclusively in aquatic mostly marine, environments Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel ( February 16, 1834 — August 9, 1919)also written von Haeckel, was an eminent German Ellis Beach is a locality in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. A cube is a three-dimensional solid object bounded by six square faces facets or sides with three meeting at each vertex. In Biology, a medusa (plural medusae is a form of Cnidarian in which the body is shortened on its principal axis and broadened sometimes greatly in contrast The Cubozoans are categorized separately from other types of jellyfish, and are considered more evolved; Scyphozoans. Jellyfish are free-swimming members of the phylum Cnidaria. They have several different basic morphologies that represent several different cnidarian classes including the Jellyfish are free-swimming members of the phylum Cnidaria. They have several different basic morphologies that represent several different cnidarian classes including the Likewise, the best-known species of box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, while sometimes simply called "the Box Jellyfish", is only one of a category which actually contains about 19 different species. Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class The name sea wasp is also applied to some species of cubozoans, including the afterforementioned Chironex fleckeri and Carybdea alata. Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class Carybdea alata is an Australian species of Box jellyfish, often referred to as a sea wasp. Box jellies can be found in Australia, the Philippines, Hawaii[1], Vietnam, and many other tropical areas. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the Box jellyfish are extremely venomous and can kill.

Box jellyfish are best known for the extremely powerful venom possessed by some of their species. This article is about the class of Biotoxins For other uses see Venom (disambiguation and Venomous (disambiguation. The Chironex fleckeri and the Carukia barnesi (Irukandji) species are the most venomous creatures in the world. Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near Stings from such species are excrutiatingly painful, either initially or as an after-effect, and are often fatal. However not all species of Box Jellyfish are this dangerous to humans. [2]

Contents

Defence and feeding mechanisms

Box jellies use powerful venom contained in epidermic nematocysts, a structure exclusive to stinging cnidarians, to stun or kill their prey prior to ingestion, or as an instrument for defense. A cnidocyte, cnidoblast or nematocyte, is a type of Venomous cell unique to the Phylum Cnidaria ( Corals Their venom is the most deadly in the animal kingdom and has caused at least 5,567 recorded deaths since 1954. In biological Taxonomy, a kingdom or regnum is a Taxonomic rank in either (historically the highest rank or (in the new three-domain system [2] Most often, these fatal envenomations are perpetrated by the largest species of box jelly, Chironex fleckeri, owing to its high concentration of nematocysts, though at least two deaths in Australia have been attributed to the thumbnail-sized irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi). Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class A cnidocyte, cnidoblast or nematocyte, is a type of Venomous cell unique to the Phylum Cnidaria ( Corals The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near [3] Those who fall victim to Carukia barnesi suffer several severe symptoms known as Irukandji syndrome. Irukandji syndrome is a condition induced by envenomization through the sting of Carukia barnesi, the Irukandji jellyfish, and other cubozoans [4]

The venom of cubozoans is very distinct from that of scyphozoans, and is used to catch prey (fish and small invertebrates) and for defense from predators. Sea turtles, however, are apparently unaffected by the sting and eat box jellies. Sea turtles ( Superfamily Chelonioidea) are Turtles found in all the world's oceans except the Arctic Ocean. The season the box jellyfish come out is between October to April.

Box jellyfish are abundant in the warm waters of northern Australia and drive away most swimmers. However, they generally disappear during the Australian Winter. Australian researchers have used ultrasonic tagging to learn that these creatures sleep on the ocean floor between 3 am and dawn. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. It is believed that they sleep to conserve energy and to avoid predators.

Vision

Some theorize box jellyfish actively hunt their prey—for effective hunting they move extremely quickly (at speeds up to 3 to 3. 5 knots (1. 5 to 1. 8 m/s)) instead of drifting as do true jellyfish. They are known to be the only jellyfish with an active visual system, consisting of 24 eyes located on the center of each side of its bell. Eyes are organs that detect Light, and send signals along the Optic nerve to the visual areas of the brain

The eyes occur in clusters on the four sides of the cube-like body. Sixteen are simply pits of light-sensitive pigment (eight slit-shaped eyes and eight lens-less pit eyes), but one pair in each cluster is surprisingly complex, with a sophisticated lens, retina, iris and cornea, all in an eye only 0. 1 millimeters across.

The lenses on these eyes have been analyzed and could form distortion free images. Despite the perfection of the lenses, the retinas of the eyes lie closer to the lens than the optimum focal distance, resulting in a blurred image. The vertebrate retina is a light sensitive part inside the inner layer of the Eye. One of these eyes in each set has an iris that contracts in bright light. The iris consists of Pigmented Fibrovascular tissue known as a stroma. Four of the eyes can only make out simple light levels.

It is not currently known how this visual information is processed by Cubozoa, as they lack a central nervous system, although they seem to have four brain-like organs. In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. [5] Some scientists have proposed that jellies have a “nerve net” that would allow the processing of visual cues.

Treatment of stings

First aid

If swimming at a beach where box jellies are known to be present, a bottle of vinegar is an extremely useful addition to the first aid kit. Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the Fermentation of Ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient Acetic acid (also called ethanoic acid Following a sting, vinegar should be applied for a minimum of 30 seconds. [6] Acetic acid, found in vinegar, disables the box jelly's nematocysts that have not yet discharged into the bloodstream (though it will not alleviate the pain). Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic chemical compound, giving Vinegar its sour taste Vinegar may also be applied to adherent tentacles, which should then be removed immediately; this should be done with the use of a towel or glove to avoid bringing the tentacles into further contact with the skin. These tentacles will still sting if separate from the bell, or if the creature is dead. Removing the tentacles without first applying vinegar may cause unfired nematocysts to come into contact with the skin and fire, resulting in a greater degree of envenomation. If no vinegar is available, a heat pack has been proven for moderate pain relief. However, careful removal of the tentacles by hand is recommended. [7] Vinegar has helped save dozens of lives on Australian beaches. Although commonly recommended in folklore and even some papers on sting treatment,[8] there is no scientific evidence that urine, ammonia, meat tenderizer, sodium bicarbonate, boric acid, lemon juice,freshwater,steroid cream, alcohol, coldpack or papaya will disable further stinging, and these substances may even hasten the release of venom. Urine is a liquid waste product of the body secreted by the Kidneys by a process of filtration from Blood and Excreted through the Urethra. Ammonia is a compound with the formula N[[hydrogen H3]] It is normally encountered as a Gas with a characteristic pungent Odor In modern English usage meat most often refers to Animal tissue used as food mostly Skeletal muscle and associated Fat, but it may also refer A meat tenderizer can refer to a tool or a chemical used for tenderizing Meat. Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the Chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3 Boric acid, also called boracic acid or orthoboric acid or Acidum Boricum, is a mild Acid often used as an Antiseptic, Insecticide The lemon ( Citrus × limon) is a hybrid in cultivated wild plants Freshwater is a word that refers to bodies of water such as Ponds lakes rivers and streams containing low concentrations of dissolved Salts and other Total dissolved In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon The papaya (from Carib via Spanish) is the Fruit of the Plant Carica papaya, in the genus Carica. [9] Pressure immobilization bandages, methylated spirits, or vodka should be used for jelly stings. [7][10] Often in severe Chironex fleckeri stings cardiac arrest occurs quickly, so Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be life saving and takes priority over all other treatment options (including application of vinegar). Activate the emergency medical system for immediate transport to the hospital.

Prevention of stings

Pantyhose, or tights, were once worn by Australian lifeguards to prevent stings. Pantyhose (also called tights) are sheer, close fitting coverings of the body from the Waist to the feet These have now been replaced by lycra stinger suits. Spandex or elastane is a Synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. Some popular recreational beaches erect enclosures (stinger nets) offshore to keep predators out, though smaller species such as Carukia barnesi (Irukandji Jellyfish) can still filter through the net. The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near [11]

Classification

There are two families of Cubozoas, Chirodropidae and Carybdeidae, containing 19 species between them. Chirodropidae is a family of venomous Box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. Carybdeidae is a family of venomous Box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. Box Jellyfish of the Chirodropidae family, which contains the Chironex fleckeri species, are distinguished by being larger than those of Carybeidae and having numerous tentacles trailing from the corners of their bells. Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class Carybdeidae, which contains the Irukandji species, are smaller, and only have a single tentacle trailing from each corner of their bells. The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near A phylogenic analysis of the relationships between these two families is yet to be published.

References

  1. ^ Jellyfish Predictions Waikiki, Hawai'i
  2. ^ a b (1996) in Williamson JA, Fenner P J, Burnett JW, Rifkin J. Cnidaria (naɪˈdɛəriə is a phylum containing some 9000 Species of Animals found exclusively in aquatic mostly marine, environments Chirodropidae is a family of venomous Box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. Chironex fleckeri, (commonly known as the "box jellyfish" "marine stinger" or "sea wasp" is a highly venomous jellyfish of the class Carybdeidae is a family of venomous Box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. The Irukandji jellyfish ( Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi) are small extremely Venomous Jellyfish that are found mostly near Carybdea alata is an Australian species of Box jellyfish, often referred to as a sea wasp. : Venomous and poisonous marine animals: a medical and biological handbook. Surf Life Saving Australia and University of New South Wales Press Ltd. ISBN 0-86840-279-6.  
  3. ^ Fenner P, Hadok J (2002). "Fatal envenomation by jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome". Med J Aust 177 (7): 362-3. PMID 12358578.  
  4. ^ Little M, Mulcahy R (1998). "A year's experience of Irukandji envenomation in far north Queensland". Med J Aust 169 (11-12): 638-41. PMID 9887916.  
  5. ^ Nilsson, D. E. , et al. (2005). Advanced optics in a jellyfish eye. Nature 435 (May 12): 201-205. Nature is a prominent Scientific journal, first published on 4 November 1869 doi:10.1038/nature03484. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document.  
  6. ^ Fenner P, Williamson J, Blenkin J (1989). "Successful use of Chironex antivenom by members of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade". Med J Aust 151 (11-12): 708-10. PMID 2574410.  
  7. ^ a b Hartwick R, Callanan V, Williamson J (1980). "Disarming the box-jellyfish: nematocyst inhibition in Chironex fleckeri". Med J Aust 1 (1): 15-20. PMID 6102347.  
  8. ^ Zoltan T, Taylor K, Achar S (2005). "Health issues for surfers". Am Fam Physician 71 (12): 2313-7. PMID 15999868.  
  9. ^ Fenner P (2000). "Marine envenomation: An update - A presentation on the current status of marine envenomation first aid and medical treatments". Emerg Med Australas 12 (4): 295-302. doi:10.1046/j.1442-2026.2000.00151.x. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document.  
  10. ^ Seymour J, Carrette T, Cullen P, Little M, Mulcahy R, Pereira P (2002). "The use of pressure immobilization bandages in the first aid management of cubozoan envenomings". Toxicon 40 (10): 1503-5. doi:10.1016/S0041-0101(02)00152-6. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 12368122.  
  11. ^ Nagami, Pamela (2004). Bitten: True Medical Stories of Bites and Stings, St. Martin's Press, 54. ISBN 0-312-31822-7.

External links

Dictionary

box jellyfish

-noun

  1. Pacific jellyfish of class Cubozoa, also known as sea wasps, Chironex fleckeri.
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