Tuesday, June 15, 2010

June 15, 2010 : Box Jellyfish


Box Jellyfish

Chironex fleckeri, commonly known as sea wasp, is an infamous lethally venomous species of Box jellyfish living in coastal waters from northern Australia and New Guinea north to the Philippines and Vietnam. It is considered the most lethal jellyfish in the world because of the numerous incidents resulting in injury or death to humans.

The amount of venom in one animal is enough to kill 60 adult humans.

First aid consists of washing the sting area with vinegar, and in no circumstance should alcohol, alcohol-based lotions, or methylated spirits be applied. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required. Medical help should be sought as soon as possible after considering these needs.

Notorious for its dangerous sting, C. fleckeri has tentacles up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) long which are covered in thousands upon thousands of cnidocytes which, on contact, release microscopic darts, each delivering an extremely powerful venom. Being stung commonly results in excruciating pain, and if the sting area is significant, an untreated victim may die in as little as 3 minutes.

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