It
seems to go without saying that the most poisonous, deadliest and meanest of
all the jellyfish inhabits Australia. The variety of box jellyfish known as the
sea wasp or marine stinger is widely regarded as one of the most deadly
creatures on earth. Along with other box jellies they have been responsible for
at least 5,568 deaths recorded since 1954. The Australian variety causes around
1 death a year on average with a further 100 in South East Asia.
As
with so many of the deadliest animals it is said that from certain angles there
are skull-like marking – in this case on the largely transparent bell. The 15
tentacles can reach up to 3 metres (10 ft) long and each is covered in around
half a million venom infused, microscopic darts. It is estimated that each
animal contains enough venom to kill 60 adult humans. The venom acts fast too
and it can kill within minutes causing cardiovascular collapse. It also attacks
the nervous system and skin cells.
The
actual sting has been compared to being branded with a red hot iron. It is said
that the pain can be so severe that it may result in shock leading to drowning
or heart failure on its own. Whilst stings are often survived pain can continue
for weeks and there may be permanent scarring resembling whip marks across
affected areas.
With
24 eyes, four brains and an impressive 60 anal regions (whatever they are) the
box jelly fish are definitely an advanced and formidable creature.
Source: www.planetdeadly.com
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