Chiropsalmus
Chiropsalmus[edit | edit source]
Chiropsalmus is a genus of box jellyfish belonging to the family Chiropsalmidae. These jellyfish are commonly known as "sea wasps" due to their potent venomous sting. They are found in the warm coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, particularly in the waters surrounding Australia and Southeast Asia.
Description[edit | edit source]
Chiropsalmus jellyfish have a distinctive bell-shaped body, with long, slender tentacles hanging from each of the four corners. The bell can reach a diameter of up to 30 centimeters, and the tentacles can extend up to 3 meters in length. The body is transparent, allowing for easy camouflage in the water.
Venom[edit | edit source]
The venom of Chiropsalmus jellyfish is extremely potent and can cause severe pain, skin irritation, and in some cases, even death. The venom contains toxins that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, and paralysis. Immediate medical attention is required if stung by a Chiropsalmus jellyfish.
Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]
Chiropsalmus jellyfish are commonly found in warm coastal waters, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They prefer shallow waters, such as lagoons and estuaries, but can also be found in deeper offshore areas. These jellyfish are often encountered near popular beach destinations, posing a threat to swimmers and beachgoers.
Interaction with Humans[edit | edit source]
Due to their potent venom, Chiropsalmus jellyfish pose a significant threat to humans. Swimmers and divers should exercise caution when entering waters known to be inhabited by these jellyfish. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, such as wetsuits, and to avoid swimming during peak jellyfish seasons.
Conservation[edit | edit source]
Chiropsalmus jellyfish are not currently listed as endangered or threatened. However, their populations can fluctuate due to various factors, including changes in water temperature and pollution. Monitoring and conservation efforts are important to ensure the long-term survival of these jellyfish and to protect the ecosystems they inhabit.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
