Identification

Animal not available

Distribution

See Geographical Distribution to narrow down the possible culprits on country/state level.

Biological Features

Some of the most dangerous jellyfish of the Indo-Australian region (ecology, morphology and clinical features):

a Chironex fleckeri lives primarily in flat coastal regions. Stings leave typical marks with a ladder-like "cross-hatching" pattern.
b Physalia sp. sail on the surface of the water and are drifted into waters near the coast. The tentacle marks are whip-like.
c Carukia barnesi is a thumb-sized jellyfish that lives in open water. They may enter reefs after strong storms. Stings are caused by the bell and are barely visible. Accidents with these jellyfish often occur in divers, and only very small areas of the skin that are not protected (throat, face) are affected.

Animal available

Morphological Identification

Common types of cnidarians:

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Venom apparatus of cnidarians: Nematocyst in the various phases of discharge

(see "General information on cnidarians" for more informations.):

a Resting phase.
b When the cnidocil is activated the lid opens.
c The barbed ring is ejected first.
d Final stage with everted venomous thread.