NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Box jellyfish

Box jellyfish are invertebrates belonging to the class Cubozoa, named for their cube-shaped medusae. Contrary to their name, box jellyfish are not actually jellyfish at all; the Cubozoans are a separate category of animal from true jellyfish; Scyphozoans. Likewise, the best-known species of Box Jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, while sometimes simply called "the Box Jellyfish", is only one species of the category which actually contains about 19 different species. The name sea wasp is also applied to some species of cubozoans, including the afterforementioned Chironex fleckeri and Carybdea alata. Box jellies can be found in Australia, the Philippines, Hawaii^[1], Vietnam, and many other tropical areas. Box jellyfish are extremely venomous and can kill. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2272x1704, 1216 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Box jellyfish Ellis Beach, Queensland User:Cmh/Images Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2272x1704, 1216 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Box jellyfish Ellis Beach, Queensland User:Cmh/Images Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added... Ellis Beach - Harmony Ellis Beach is a locality in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. ... For other uses, see Scientific classification (disambiguation). ... A cube[1] is a three-dimensional solid object bounded by six square faces, facets or sides, with three meeting at each vertex. ... In biology, a medusa (also known as a hydromedusa) is a form of cnidarian in which the body is shortened on its principal axis and broadened, sometimes greatly, in contrast with the hydroid or polyp. ... For other uses, see Jellyfish (disambiguation). ... This article is about jellyfish, the sea creatures. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Binomial name Carybdea alata Reynaud, 1830 Carybdea alata is an Australian species of box jellyfish, often referred to as a sea wasp. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ...

Box Jellyfish are best known for the extremely powerful venom possessed by some of their species. The Chironex fleckeri and the Carukia barnesi (Irukandji) species are the most venomous creatures in the world. 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] It has been suggested that Snake poison be merged into this article or section. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) is a small extremely venomous jellyfish of family Carybdeidae, class Cubozoa that lives in the waters of north Queensland, Australia. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ...

Defense 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. Their venom is the most deadly in the animal kingdom and has caused at least 5,567 recorded deaths since 1954.^[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).^[3] Those who fall victim to Carukia barnesi suffer several severe symptoms known as Irukandji syndrome.^[4] Cnidocytes are prey-capture and defensive cells found on animals of the phylum Cnidaria. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... The hierarchy of scientific classifications major eight taxonomic ranks. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Cnidocytes are prey-capture and defensive cells found on animals of the phylum Cnidaria. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... Irukandji syndrome is a seldom fatal, but nevertheless painful condition induced by the sting of Carukia barnesi, the Irukandji jellyfish, and other cubozoans. ...

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. Genera Family Cheloniidae (Oppel, 1811) Caretta Chelonia Eretmochelys Lepidochelys Natator Family Dermochelyidae Dermochelys Family Protostegidae (extinct) Family Toxochelyidae (extinct) Family Thalassemyidae (extinct) Sea turtles (Superfamily Chelonioidea) are turtles found in all the worlds oceans except the Arctic Ocean . ...

In the Australian summer from November to April or May, 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. It is believed that they sleep to conserve energy and to avoid predators. Ultrasound is sound with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing, approximately 20 kilohertz. ...

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. A knot is a non SI unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. ... For other uses, see Eye (disambiguation). ...

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. One of these eyes in each set has an iris that contracts in bright light. Four of the eyes can only make out simple light levels. Human eye cross-sectional view. ... In anatomy, the iris (plural irises or irides) is the most visible part of the eye of vertebrates, including humans. ...

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.^[5] Some scientists have proposed that jellies have a “nerve net” that would allow procession of visual cues. A diagram showing the CNS: 1. ...

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. 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). 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, 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, or papaya will disable further stinging, and these substances may even hasten the release of venom.^[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. For other uses, see Beach (disambiguation). ... Vinegar is sometimes infused with spices or herbsâ€”as here, with oregano. ... R-phrases , S-phrases , , , Flash point 43 Â°C Related Compounds Related carboxylic; acids Formic acid; Propionic acid; Butyric acid Related compounds acetamide; ethyl acetate; acetyl chloride; acetic anhydride; acetonitrile; acetaldehyde; ethanol; thioacetic acid; acetylcholine; acetylcholinesterase Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, Îµr, etc. ... This article is about the urine of animals generally. ... For other uses, see Ammonia (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Meat (disambiguation). ... A meat tenderizer on a wooden cutting board. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... Binomial name Citrus X limon {{{author}}} Lemons are the citrus fruit from the tree Citrus X limon. ... Binomial name L. This article is about the fruit. ... CPR redirects here. ...

Prevention of stings

Pantyhose, or tights, were once worn by Australian lifeguards to prevent stings. These have now been replaced by lycra stinger suits. 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.^[11] Sheer pantyhose Pantyhose (also called tights) are sheer, close fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet, almost exclusively worn by women. ... Lycra is INVISTAs trademark for a synthetic polyurethane-based elastane textile with elastic properties of the sort known generically as spandex. As with other spandex materials, Lycra is commonly used in athletic or active clothing, such as clothes for cycling, swimwear, leotards and dancewear, as well as in underclothes. ... Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) is a small extremely venomous jellyfish of family Carybdeidae, class Cubozoa that lives in the waters of north Queensland, Australia. ...

Classification

There are two families of Cubozoas, Chirodropidae and Carybdeidae, containing 19 species between them. 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. Carybdeidae, which contains the Irukandji species, are smaller, and only have a single tentacle trailing from each corner of their bells. A phylogenic analysis of the relationships between these two families is yet to be published. Genera Chirodropidae is a family of venomous box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. ... Genera Carybdeidae is a family of venomous box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) is a small extremely venomous jellyfish of family Carybdeidae, class Cubozoa that lives in the waters of north Queensland, Australia. ...

Subphylum/Classes[2] Anthozoa â€” corals and sea anemones Medusozoa:[1] Cubozoa â€” sea wasps or box jellyfish Hydrozoa â€” hydroids, hydra-like animals Polypodiozoa Scyphozoa â€” jellyfish Staurozoa â€” stalked jellyfish Unranked: Myxozoa - parasites Cnidaria[3] (pronounced [4]) is a phylum containing some 11,000 species of apparently simple animals found exclusively in aquatic... Genera Chirodropidae is a family of venomous box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. ... Binomial name Southcott, 1956 Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as box jellyfish, marine stinger and formerly the sea wasp, is a highly venomous species of box jellyfish. ... Genera Carybdeidae is a family of venomous box jellyfish within class Cubozoa. ... Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) is a small extremely venomous jellyfish of family Carybdeidae, class Cubozoa that lives in the waters of north Queensland, Australia. ... Binomial name Carybdea alata Reynaud, 1830 Carybdea alata is an Australian species of box jellyfish, often referred to as a sea wasp. ...

References

^ Jellyfish Predictions Waikiki,Hawai'i
^ ^a ^b (1996) in Williamson JA, Fenner P J, Burnett JW, Rifkin J.: 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.
^ Fenner P, Hadok J (2002). "Fatal envenomation by jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome". Med J Aust 177 (7): 362-3. PMID 12358578.
^ 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.
^ Nilsson, D. E., et al. (2005). Advanced optics in a jellyfish eye. Nature 435 (May 12): 201-205.
^ 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.
^ ^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.
^ Zoltan T, Taylor K, Achar S (2005). "Health issues for surfers". Am Fam Physician 71 (12): 2313-7. PMID 15999868.
^ 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.
^ 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. PMID 12368122.
^ Nagami, Pamela (2004). Bitten: True Medical Stories of Bites and Stings, St. Martin's Press, 54. ISBN 0-312-31822-7.

Nature is a prominent scientific journal, first published on 4 November 1869. ...

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