IT’S WORLD JELLYFISH DAY!

As your #NationalMuseumPH joins the observance of #WorldJellyfishDay, we want to share with you a marine animal we commonly fear but plays a vital role in our marine ecosystem, the jellyfish.

In general, jellyfish belongs to phylum Cnidaria — a Greek word that means “stinging nettle”. Groups of jellyfish are called a bloom, smack, or swarm and could contain over 100,000 individuals.

Do you know what Box jellyfish are?

Box jellyfish live in warm waters, but the most dangerous kinds are found near the coasts of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. It has a box-like body with lots of tentacles covered in venom-filled stingers. The different species of box jellyfish are divided into two types: cubozoans and carybdeids.

Cubozoans have more than one tentacle hanging from each corner or pedalia, which are muscular pads at the bottom and inside of the bell. The carybdeids, on the other hand, have only one tentacle per pedalia. As of 2018, there are 51 species of box jellies that have been recorded and grouped into two orders and eight families. In the Philippines, the box jelly Chironex cf yamaguchii can be found in its waters. They are omnivore feeders (eating both plants and animals). Its color is translucent or has a vibrant array of one or more colors. 

Box jellies actively hunt their prey (small fish) rather than drifting as exhibited by true jellyfish. The venom of this species is distinct and is mainly used in catching its prey and for self-defense against predators like crabs, fishes, and marine turtles. Unlike other kinds of jellyfish, box jellyfish can swim and see. They mainly eat shrimp and small fish. 

The Australian box jellyfish is the biggest and most venomous species and has tentacles up to 10 ft long. If you accidentally brush against a tentacle, the stingers pierce into the skin and produce venom, which then enters the bloodstream and can be fatal. 

Remember that jellyfish use stingers to protect themselves and kill prey. Stings from box jellyfish with more than one tentacle at each corner are more dangerous to humans. Give respect to this beautiful marine animal and avoid any possible contact. If you see one while swimming, give distance between you and the animal. 

#MuseumFromHome

#BoxJellyfish

Text by the NMP Zoology Division 

Photo credit to Dr. Sheldon Rey Boco