New box jellyfish name warns of ‘death from behind’
A new species of box jellyfish, Chironex blakangmati, has been discovered near Singapore, closely resembling another species, Chironex yamaguchii. Genetic testing revealed that they are distinct despite their similarities. This jellyfish is notable for its advanced eye organs and unique anatomical features that aid in its predatory behavior.
- ▪Chironex blakangmati was collected during an expedition near Sentosa Island, Singapore.
- ▪The species was initially misidentified as Chironex yamaguchii until genomic testing confirmed its uniqueness.
- ▪C. blakangmati has evolved complex eye organs that help it actively swim towards prey.
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The jellyfish looks nearly identical to a relative species. Credit: Iesa et al Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. A recently discovered box jellyfish species living in near Singapore looks nearly identical to another jellyfish previously discovered by the same scientist. But regardless of whether or not you can tell Chironex blakangmati and Chironex yamaguchii apart, you’ll want to steer clear of both of them. Box jellyfish didn’t earn their “sea-wasp” nickname for yellow-and-black stripes. Cheryl Ames, a marine biologist at Japan’s Tohoku University, collected C. blakangmati during an expedition near the coast of Singapore’s Sentosa Island.
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