Marine Stingers (Jellyfish)

The Tropical North Queensland waters off Australia contain many creatures, including some dangerous jellyfish, known commonly as marine stingers. They are easily avoided provided correct precaution is taken; however if stung, they can cause mild to severe discomfort, and may potentially be lethal.   

Marine “stinger season” generally runs from November through to May/June. During this period, the dangerous jellyfish are of particular concern.   

Marine stingers include the most common Box Jellyfish (Chironex) and Irukandji, however, there are also several other stingers including the Bluebottle (Physalia), Hair Jelly (Cyanea), Jimble (Carybdea), Fire Jelly (Morbakka) and Little Mauvre Stinger (Pelagia).    

Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)

Box Jellyfish are found in the shallow, tropical waters of North Queensland, and all over the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The predominant recorded stings from the Box Jellyfish are along coastal areas. 

irukandji

Chironex are large (almost transparent) jellyfish with a “box-shaped” bell (with 4 corners) up to 30cm in diameter. They can have up to 15 “ribbon-like” tentacles arising from each of the corners (up to 60 tentacles) 10cm (contracted) to 3m (extended) in length.   

Severe stings may cause victim to stop breathing or their heart to stop, potentially resulting in death.  

FIRST AID: 

Irukandji

Irukandji are a group of jellyfish know to cause Irukandji Syndrome. They are found in the tropical waters of Northern  

irukandji

Queensland, and all over Northern Territory and Western Australia. They have occasionally been reported in sub-tropical and temperate waters. Some can be found coastally, on reefs and islands, and at times can occur close to shore.   

Irukandji jellyfish are very small transparent jellyfish with a “box-shaped” bell (4 corners) ranging from 1-2cm and up to 10cm in diameter (depending on the species). They only have 1 thin tentacle arising from each of the corners (4 tentacles).   

Initially the sting of the Irukandji is just felt as a minor skin sting. This is followed by severe generalized muscular pain, anxious behavior, headaches, vomiting and sweating, from 5 and up to 40 minutes post initial contact. The sting from some species can cause very high blood pressure or affect the heart, potentially resulting in death. These symptoms are referred to as Irukandji Syndrome.  

FIRST AID: 

Precaution

In order to prevent getting stung by the marine stingers take the following precautions and ensure your day at the beach is enjoyable:   

• ALWAYS swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
• ONLY SWIM in stinger nets if they are provided. They afford a high degree of protection.
• However, they are not stinger “proof”  – Irukandji are small enough to get through the net. In order to avoid a sting, check with the patrolling lifesaver/lifeguard.
• DO NOT interfere with the stinger nets or sit on the floating pontoons.
• IT IS RECOMMENDED that a full-body lycra wet/stinger suit (or equivalent) be worn to provide a good measure of protection against marine stings.
• SLOWLY enter the water – marine stingers will often move away given the time and opportunity.
•  LOOK for and obey safety signs.
• DO NOT enter the water when beaches are closed.
• ASK a lifesaver/lifeguard for help and advice if you need it.
• DO NOT touch marine stingers washed up on the beach, they can still sting you!
• IF you are taking out your own boat, take a  bottle of household vinegar with you to treat potential stings and make sure you can contact medical aid if required.
• IF in doubt of Irukandji sting, treat as Irukandji and seek medical aid (Better safe than sorry!)

Useful Links

Marine Stingers: This specially developed website provides comprehensive advice and information about marine stingers in the tropical waters of north Queensland. It is an initiative of the Queensland Government and Su rf Lifesaving Queensland. 

Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit
Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit comprises biological researchers fromJames Cook University’s School of Tropical Biology and medical researchers from Cairns Base Hospital and Sir Charles Hospital, Western Australia. The site provides information on current research projects, first aid and safety and the general biology of jellyfish. 

Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Queensland. These websites includes a wide range of information on services, products and education programs from the Surf Life Saving Association.