New species of deadly box jellyfish discovered in Singapore waters
Oceanographic Magazine • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a new species of box jellyfish, named Chironex blakangmati, in the coastal waters off Sentosa Island, Singapore, adding a fourth member to the deadly Chironex genus.
- The new species closely resembles Chironex yamaguchii but differs genetically and morphologically, particularly in the absence of pointed canals on its perradial lappets.
- Researchers also recorded the presence of Chironex indrasaksajiae in Singapore for the first time, indicating a range expansion beyond its usual Thai waters habitat.
- Box jellyfish are active hunters with complex eyes and muscular propulsion, making their study important for both biodiversity knowledge and public safety due to their potent venom.
- The findings provide a new framework for identifying species within the Chironex genus and were published in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, supported by WPI-AIMEC and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.