Irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi), The most dangerous Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a venomous water creature that has long tentacles with numerous nematocysts on it. These nematocysts which appear like a small pill emit| venom in a thread like shape within it. When the tentacles come in contact with the victim, it exerts pressure. This pressure triggers the nematocysts and the thread curved in it fastens itself to the prey. The venom is released into the victim's body which is so strong that the victim feels pain and cramps in arms, shoulders and legs . He or she undergoes severe pain in kidneys and back along with a little burning and itchy feeling on entire skin and face. There are several other problems the victim is likely to face like, severe headache, vomiting, high pulse rate, improper heart beats, sweating, high blood pressure, restlessness and in worst cases, the victim may also die.

Out of different types of jellyfish, Irukandji Jellyfish also known as Carukia barnesi, is regarded as the most venomous fish. These are usually seen in marine waters of Australia. Initially, the Irukandji people who stayed besides the coastal bed of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, did not know the actual cause of unexpected loss of their near ones. However, the sufferer experienced unbearable pain in all parts of body, especially intolerable muscle cramps in leg, arms and shoulders. The victim also experienced pain in kidneys and back as well as severe headache, vomiting, high blood pressure, improper pulse rate etc. this condition was previously called as 'Irukandji syndrome'. Within a short period, Dr. Jack Barnes gave the cause of this pain which was because of poisonous sting of Irukandji jellyfish. To prove his point, he permitted himself and a few other people to be stung by this venomous jellyfish. Similar symptoms were noticed and soon he identified that Carukia Barnesi is the jellyfish that was responsible for all these mysterious symptoms. Carukia Barnesi, also called as Malo Kingi was named after the American tourist, Robert King, passed away after its poisonous sting.

Though Carukia Barnesi is very tiny in size, only about 12mm-30mm bell height, it possess extremely deadly sting as compared to any other jellyfish. It may release just a small quantity of venom in the victim's body, but it may lead to severe condition which may further lead to death of the victim. The initial symptoms of Irukandji jellyfish include discomfort and distress with slight body pain but later on, the person feels extreme pain all over the body. In a few cases the signs are delayed for some hours and also for a few days, therefore it was difficult| for the inhabitants of Irukandji to identify the genuine cause of the sudden health disorder.

It is often observed that magnesium helps in diminishing the poisonous effects of the sting, if the victim is given proper medication on time. Also, if the victim is hospitalized and given first aid immediately, then there are chances that the victim may live. Usually, the victim stung by Irukandji Jellyfish may even die if not treated on time. Thus be careful, the jellyfish are coming!


Learn more about the Irukandji Jellyfish and how dangerous Jellyfish Sting can be at JellyfishFacts.net