Irukandji Jellyfish

The Irukandji jellyfish is a small, extremely venomous species of box jellyfish approximately two centimetres in diameter, making it difficult for swimmers to notice in the water.The Irukandji jellyfish is one of the smallest jellyfish species. On average, its bell, or main section, is less than one inch across! In addition, it is nearly transparent, which makes it extremely difficult to see in the water. This jellyfish has four tentacles, one attached to each corner of its square-shaped bell. Irukandji jellyfish are most likely found in tropical Australian waters, from Bundaberg in Queensland to Geraldton in Western Australia, from November to May, though incidents of Irukandji Syndrome in Far North Queensland have been recorded for all months of the year.

Irukandji-like symptoms can occur 20-30 minutes after the sting and include:

• severe pain in the body (back, tummy, chest and muscles)

• increased heart rate (tachycardia)

• anxiety and sweating.

• nausea and vomiting.

• in rare cases, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

• in rare cases, damage to the heart.