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Classifying box jellyfish

Chirodropid jellyfish

Carybdeid jellyfish

Distribution & abundance

Life cycle

Vision & movement

Feeding & venom

The sting

Irukandji syndrome

Preventing the sting

Future research

First aid

Other stinging jellyfish

Bluebottles & Pacific man-o-war

More information

  

Stinging jellyfish in tropical Australia

With few exceptions, jellyfish that cause debilitating or fatal stings in humans are cubozoan or box jellyfish which were named because of their box-shaped bodies. Box jellyfish can be found in most tropical waters around the world. In Australia, they are found in tropical waters predominantly in the wet season (November to May), but can be present throughout the year. The large multi-tentacled jellyfish Chironex fleckeri can be found close to the coast. In addition, several species of smaller jellyfish that can cause Irukandji syndrome are found near the coast as well as near reefs and islands.

Despite their notoriety, little is known about many box jellyfish. However, Commonwealth, state and local governments as well as universities, private individuals, community groups and philanthropic organisations are funding research to discover the types, distribution, seasonality and life cycles of these jellyfish. These funds are also supporting research to reduce the risk of being stung, improve the treatment of victims, and educate locals and visitors about box jellyfish.


CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd

PO Box 772 Townsville
Queensland 4810 Australia
Telephone: 61 47298400
Facsimile: 6147298499
Email: info@crcreef.com
Website: www.reef.crc.org.au

 

CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd was established and is supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Program. Its mission is to plan, fund and manage world-leading science for the sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. CRC Reef is a joint venture between Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation, James Cook University, Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Queensland Seafood Industry Association, Sunfish Queensland Inc. The University of Queensland is an associate member.