Newsletter: Scientists Document New Box Jellyfish Species in PH Waters

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

The Philippines, located within the Coral Triangle, is recognized as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Yet, many marine species—such as carybdeid box jellyfish—remain poorly documented. Their potent venom and ecological significance underline the importance of conducting accurate taxonomic studies on box jellyfish.

Newsletter: Venomous Jellyfish Found in PH Waters, Biologists Confirm

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Box jellyfishes are known for their distinctive box-like appearance and their potent venom, which can cause severe stings and fatalities. In the Philippines, many coastal communities are well aware of the dangers posed by box jellyfishes, but Filipino scientists noted that the government does not have a systematic plan to address this issue.

Preserved specimen of C. yamaguchii. (Photo credit: Boco et al., 2025)

Based on previous studies by marine researchers, a team of biologists hypothesized that Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known from Japan, is also present in Philippine waters. This box jellyfish was found to cause severe stings and even fatalities in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Their tentacles can inflict extreme pain, cause skin injuries with welts, and even trigger heart attacks and death.