Box jellyfish
class of cnidarians From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Box jellyfish are cnidarian invertebrates that contain some of the most dangerous jellyfish in the phylum Cnidaria. They make up a small idio
Cnidarians, with only 19 species.[1] It is their powerful venom which makes them noteworthy.
All cubozoans have four 'legs' (pedalia) hanging from the corners, from which hang tentacles. They have a rudimentary neural network. The box can move through the water to actively hunt prey, and have a degree of sight as they have up to 26 eyes. Cubozoans have two main eyes on each of the four pedalia, each with a lens, retina and cornea; and some species also have eye-spots as well.
The box jellies are found in tropical oceanic waters round the world. Their venom is delivered by stinging nematocysts, which cluster on tentacles, each with half a million stinging cells. The largest species, Chironex fleckeri, has caused many human deaths. The pain of an attack is agonising, and heart failure is a danger. The attack can be treated: first with vinegar, then remove stingers, then apply anti-venom.[2][3]
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Danger to humans
Box jellyfish are known for being extremely dangerous to humans. A sting from these jellyfish is often fatal.[4]
References
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