box jellyfish

Written by Chutinatt Wednesday, 22 October 2008




The box jellyfish is dangerous to humans. It is found also in Thailand. Its venom is considered to be among the most deadly in the world; the toxins directly effect the heart, the nervous system and the skin cells. Swimmers stung by the box jellyfish might die of heart failure within few minute. The only known treatment against the stings is vinegar. The box jellyfish primarily lives on the north coast of Australia and in the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, it has also been found in the waters of Southern Thailand.In April 2008, a Swedish girl died after an encounter with a box jellyfish on Koh Lanta, close to Krabi.Box jellyfish are also found with regularity at Phuket, in the waters of Nam Bor Bay. This bay lies on the island's south east coast, between the city's Saphan Hin garbage incinerator and Cape Panwa. Up to now, this is the only spot where they have been caught regularly. No jellyfish have been caught on the west coast of Phuket, the location of Phuket's bestknown tourist beaches.Samples of the jellyfish have been sent to Australia, where scientists have long experience with these jellies. Researchers there have identified one of the two species of box jellyfish found around Phuket and Krabi.  The box jellyfish uses its powerful venom to stun or kill prey, so while struggling to escape the prey doesn't damage its tentacles. On Phuket, fishermen have described the box jellyfish to have tentacles up to 1 metre long. When they are fully grown, they are as big as a hand. The are transparent and thus hard to see in the water. Their name derives from their cube-shaped umbrella. Box jellies are rather advanced jellyfish: Unlike most other jellies, they are able to move themselves and not just drift with the current.

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