2: Chirodropids unmasked

Box jellyfish belong to the Class Cubozoa, Order Cubomedusa, and are characterised by having a squarish bell with one or more tentacles hanging from each corner. Chirodropids are box jellyfish with more than one, and up to 15, tentacles arising from each corner of the bell. They occur in many tropical waters, and some are more venomous than others. The actual identity, names and potential lethality of all species of chirodropid are still being investigated. ³

Chirodropids are very similar in appearance and, fortunately for clinical medicine, features of their envenomation are sufficiently similar to render first aid and medical treatment virtually the same for all stings.

Photograph of a chirodropid from: Venomous and poisonous marine animals: a medical and biological handbook. JA Williamson, PJ Fenner, J Burnett, J Rifkin, editors. Sydney: NSW University Press, 1996.