Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new species of box jellyfish, revealing that these extraordinarily venomous and often nearly invisible creatures exist in a greater variety than previously understood.
Discovery in Singaporean Waters
The new species was identified by a team of researchers from the National University of Singapore and Tohoku University. The discovery took place in the coastal waters surrounding Sentosa Island, Singapore.
The jellyfish has been named Chironex blakangmati, drawing its name from Pulau Blakang Mati—the historical Malay name for the island, which translates to “Island of Death Behind.” This discovery marks the addition of a fourth member to the Chironex genus, a group of jellyfish known for stings capable of killing a human being within minutes.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
The identification of C. Blakangmati was not immediate due to its striking resemblance to Chironex yamaguchii, a species first documented in the waters of Okinawa. For several years, the two species were assumed to be the same.
Lead researcher Cheryl Ames of Tohoku University noted the similarity, stating, “C. Blakangmati looks remarkably like Chironex yamaguchii – a jellyfish species I first discovered in Okinawa while doing my master’s degree there.”
To resolve the discrepancy, Ames compared the new findings with an old sample of C. Yamaguchii kept in storage in Okinawa. “But we realised they were completely distinct,” Ames said. “I actually went back to dust off an old sample of C. Yamaguchii I still had in storage in Okinawa to help with the comparisons.”
The Science of Differentiation
While they appear similar to the untrained eye, the researchers used a combination of genetic analysis and detailed morphological examination to confirm the new species. The definitive difference was found in the perradial lappets—structural elements located at the base of the bell that reinforce the muscular flap used for active propulsion through the water.
- Previously known species: All three existing species in the genus possess pointed canals that extend from the tips of these lappets.
- C. Blakangmati: These canals are entirely absent.
Potential Implications
The confirmation of C. Blakangmati suggests that other species of box jellyfish may remain undetected due to morphological similarities. Future research could involve further genetic screening of similar-looking specimens to determine if additional members of the Chironex genus exist. The discovery may lead to a deeper understanding of the distribution of highly venomous jellyfish in Southeast Asian coastal waters.
