Chironex
Factsheet
Chironex

Common names

Box Jellyfish

Size

Up to 30cm in diameter

High risk months

 

 

Picture courtesy of Gary Bell

Distributions

Shallow, tropical Australian waters north of Agnes Water Queensland, all Northern Territory waters, and Western Australia south to Exmouth. Stings from Chironex Box Jellyfish have been recorded predominantly in coastal areas.

Common names

Box Jellyfish, Sea Wasp

Size and appearance

A large but almost transparent jellyfish with a box-shaped bell (with 4 corners) up to 30 centimetres in diameter. Up to 15 ribbon-like tentacles arise from each of the four corners (up to 60 tentacles in total). These may contract to about 10 centimetres, or may extend up to 3 metres in length.

Symptons and signs

Its sting causes severe burning skin pain, often with tentacles remaining on the stung area. Severe stings may cause the victim to stop breathing or their heart to stop.

First aid

Priorities for non-tropical jellyfish (marine stingers) common in Australian waters.

  1. Call for help — Dial 000 for Ambulance
  2. Emergency Care — CPR if needed
  3. Treat the Sting — Pour vinegar onto sting
  4. Seek Medical Aid — Transport to Hospital
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