Irukandji jellyfish
The Irukandji Jellyfish (Carukia barnesi), is a species of jellyfish. It lives in the waters of northern Australia. It is very deadly. The Irukandji is only 2.5 centimeters (with bell and tentacles) in diameter,[1] which makes it hard to find.[2] The Irukandji is believed to be the most poisonous creature in the world. Some people are not sure if that is true.[2]
The Irukandjis' name comes from an Australian Aboriginals. The tribe lived in the Palm Cove region of North Queensland. When people are stung by the Irukandji, there are many symptoms[2][3] including:
Sometimes people may also get fluid on their lungs (called pulmonary oedema), and hypertension, as well as heart failure.[3]
The Irukandji has killed at least two swimmers in Australia. In 2002, Richard Jordon came to Australia as a tourist. He was a 58 year old British man. He was stung while swimming off Hamilton Island.[4] Jordon died a few days later.[2] There may have been more deaths which doctors did not know were caused by the jellyfish.[3]
The Irukandji is related to another jellyfish, called the box jellyfish (Chironex Fleckeri).[5] Irukandji was identified in 1964 by a Cairns doctor, Jack Barnes. Because of this, its scientific name is named after him.[3] When people were getting hurt in the sea, Barnes was sure it was because of a jellyfish. He put on diving equipment and lay on the sea floor for six days until he discovered it.[source?] When Barnes discovered the Irukandji jellyfish, he tested its sting on himself, his son, and a lifeguard.[6] They all had to be taken to the hospital.[6]
Irukandji has stingers – not only on its tentacles, but also on its bell. It is very small and weak. Because of this, sudden force may kill it. So, it cannot be kept in a normal aquarium. The first Irukandji jellyfish in captivity was born in Townsville, Queensland.[2]
References
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- ↑ "Irukandji Jellyfish – Beware the Deadly Irukandji Jellyfish". about.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Irukandji Jellyfish". irukandjijellyfish.com. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 "Irukandji syndrome". reef.crc.org.au. Archived from the original on 17 March 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ↑ "Irukandji Jellyfish". australianfauna.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2010. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ↑ "Box Jelly Fish, dangers on the great barrier reef". barrierreefaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- 1 2 "Tiny menace with knockout punch stalks our beaches – theage.com.au". theage.com.au. 20 April 2002. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
