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Deadly 'Island of Death' Jellyfish Discovered
30 Jun
Summary
- A new box jellyfish species, Chironex blakangmati, was found near Singapore.
- This jellyfish has the potential to kill humans with a single sting.
- The species lacks velarial canals found in related box jellyfish.
A new species of box jellyfish, named Chironex blakangmati, has been identified in Singapore. This dangerous marine creature, found near Sentosa Island, carries a potent sting with the potential to be fatal to humans. Researchers from the National University of Singapore and Tohoku University identified the species after collecting specimens that washed ashore in 2020 and 2022.
Initially mistaken for a known species, genetic analysis revealed Chironex blakangmati to be distinct. Physical differences include a more conical bell shape and a specific number of tentacles. Crucially, this new species lacks the velarial canals present in related Chironex jellyfish, a feature typically involved in oxygen and nutrient circulation.
This discovery also led to the identification of Chironex indrasaksajiae in Singapore, expanding its known range from the Gulf of Thailand. The finding of this new, highly venomous species underscores the importance of continued marine research and awareness of potentially dangerous ocean inhabitants.
