Friday, April 5, 2013

Irukandji Jellyfish

Sometime ago, I watched a documentary on Irukandji Jellyfish (I.J.F.) on Animal Planet. It was intriguing to watch that a sting by an I.J.F. can prove fatal considering its small size. It was difficult to comprehend as to how can such a small creature be so dangerous. It is just 1.2 cm by 2.5 cm body while the length of the contractible tentacles may vary from 5 cm to 1 m.




These jellyfish are mostly found in Australia. The jellyfish are named after the Yirrganydji people (aka Irukandji), who are a group of Australian aborigines.

It is found that these jellyfish sting from the tip of their stingers. It causes severe pain and the venom starts taking effect after 15-20 minutes. If timely cure is provided within that time, then the sting is not fatal. But there are reports where few humans have died because of Irukandji sting!

Imagine such a small creature killing a fully grown human being! Wonders of nature or what may I say!!


(Information from wikipedia)

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