A New Box Jellyfish On The Block?
'Attack of the Killer Jellyfish!' screams the The Star newspaper's headline (27 February 2019). Malaysia's online news digest is as usual on another planet with this claim, but the story itself suggests that the world may soon welcome a new addition to the infamous Chironex family. Chironex is a genus of box jellyfish that commands an imperious position at the top of the tree. There are at least 51 known species of box jellyfish, most small and harmless, but Chironex is king with its large size, deadly venom and ability to see, swim and strike fear into the hearts of unsuspecting swimmers. Further Reading: Box Jellyfish Facts There are currently three known species of Chironex that range in Indo-Pacific waters between southern Japan and northern Australia. Chironex fleckeri inhabits Australian coastal areas, Chironex yamaguchii calls Japan and the Philippines home, while Chironex indrasksajiae is the newest member discovered in the Gulf of Thailand. Fu