Irukandji Jellyfish (carukia Barnesi), The Most Dangerous Jellyfish

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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Jellyfish, known for its venomous sting, has several nematocysts along its tentacles. These nematocysts that seem like a small pill emit| poison in a thread like shape within it. The tentacle exert some kind of pressure if it comes in contact with any victim. This force triggers the nematocysts and the thread curved in it fastens itself to the victim. Once if the victim is attacked by the poisonous venom of the jellyfish, he or she feels pain and cramps in legs, arms and shoulders . He or she suffers severe pain in kidneys and back along with some burning and prickly sensation 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 kinds kinds of jellyfish, Irukandji Jellyfish also recognized as Carukia barnesi, is regarded as the most deadly fish. These are usually seen in marine waters of Australia. Earlier, the Irukandji citizens who stayed along the coastal bed of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, did not know the real cause ...
... of unexpected death of their family members. The person who is attacked by the poisonous jellyfish feels unbearable pain which spreads in the entire body and especially in legs, arms and shoulders. The victim too experienced pain in kidneys and back as well as extreme headache, vomiting, high blood pressure, improper pulse rate etc. this situation was earlier known as 'Irukandji syndrome'. Soon Dr. Jack Barnes discovered that this pain was due to venomous jellyfish stings. To prove his point, he allowed himself and a few other people to be stung by this deadly jellyfish. Later on, it was also seen that Carukia Barnesi, a type of poisonous jellyfish was actually the main cause behind these unbearable symptoms. Carukia Barnesi, also called as Malo Kingi was named after the American tourist, Robert King, passed away after its deadly 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 little quantity of poison 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 symptoms are delayed for a few hours and also for a few days, thus it was difficult| for the citizens of Irukandji to make out the real cause of the sudden health disorder.

If the victim is provided proper treatment on time, chance of survival are greater and magnesium is considered to reduce the harmful effects of this poisonous sting. Moreover, if the victim is hospitalized and given first aid immediately, then there are chances that the victim may stay alive. Usually, the victim stung by Irukandji Jellyfish may even die if not treated on time. So be alert, the jellyfish are approaching!

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