Little known fact: box jellyfish hate us and want us to die. I feel the burden of responsibility to expose the truth behind these evil-doers. The fact that they are one of my greatest fears (some people say phobia, but phobias are irrational) may also play a part.
As you may or may not know, box jellies (also called sea wasps) are the deadliest organisms on earth. Why? First. They are hugely toxic. A single jelly can kill a human. And the death is arguably the most painful death one can experience. Not that they travel alone. Oh no. They travel in packs. Swarms. Death clubs. Second. They are tiny and nearly invisible. A single jelly has a bell of only 1-3 cm. It is almost perfectly clear. Even more clear? The tentacles that extend 10x the body length. Third. Unlike most jellies, which merely have photo receptors, box jellyfish have lenses. With retinas and a mobile iris. And even better, they have 24. Which can form a complete picture even though they don’t have a true brain. And they are evenly spaced around the bell so there is no “front” or “back” to the animal. Lastly, box jellyfish hunt. They’re not like other jellies that wait for something to bump into them. They don’t sit and wait. They actively pursue prey (vertebrates!!!!) and are able to do 180 degree turns and dart quickly.
(Picture not mine, GIS)
But Emily, you say. They’re only in Northeastern Australia. Why do they affect us? For one, queensland is one of (if not the) highest grossing tourist destinations in australia. Second, did you consider global warming? As the oceans get warmer, their range will expand. Didn’t think of that, didja? Or what about their toxins being so dutifully researched across the world? This requires a tank of the little bastards in every lab in the land.
If this has not convinced you of the horrifying plot in our midst, then I vote you’re the first to go when they attack. I would also like to mention, since I know he reads this blog: Mackenna, it is your fault I am “irrationally” afraid of box jellyfish. I still remember you telling me about them and how painful the death is after some tourist kicked it in australia. We went to the lake that day, and you didn’t mention until *after* we left that they only were found in limited locations. As such: thank you for giving me an interest in biology and warning me of this horrible danger. And screw you for ruining a day at the lake. Love you big brother!
(PS- these are the productive things college leads to. Invertebrate biology is scary.)
