full article: http://www.aims.gov.au/pa...sp-01.html








The Box Jellyfish has a shape of a bell or cuboid with four distinct sides, as in a box, hence the local name - Box Jellyfish. From each of four corners of the cube, or bell measuring up to 20 cm along each side, the Box Jellyfish projects into pedaliums, each of which may contain up to as many as fifteen tentacles each 3 metres in length.

Box Jellyfish are pale blue and transparent and are difficult to see, even in clear ocean waters they are almost invisible, and for years it wasn't known what was actually causing such excruciating pain often followed by death. It was first thought to have been the Portuguese man-of-war, but as most stings from the Portuguese man-of-war are usually accompanied by a sighting it became obvious that it was probably something else. As death occurred sometimes within 2 to 3 minutes, researchers began to search for another culprit.

Box Jellyfish Season

The Box Jellyfish season across the top of northern Australia starts with the onset of the wet season, usually around October and lasts until April. Further south along the northern Queensland or northern Western Australian coast the season is usually from November to March. The Box Jellyfish sometimes appear further south and sometimes a few weeks beyond the official close of season before disappearing until the next wet season.

Always check with local authorities for advice before swimming in the ocean; otherwise wear fully protective clothing. Never swim on your own in isolated areas. If you are stung, your chance of survival or even getting yourself to the shore is virtually zero. The pain has been described as so excruciating that you will probably go into shock and drown, even before the full affect of the venom takes place.

2the9s said:

Oh gawd--that shit deserves it's own thread. It's own forum even.

jellyfish are pretty as long as they're behind glass in an aquarium or something.

crap...there goes my idea for a nekkid ocean swim Org meetup

2the9s said:

http://www.internext.com....NDIRU2.jpg

i had a friend who was stung by jellyfish in Hawaii (i think) and came to shore screaming in agony. there happened to be a native there on the beach who was laughing telling him "you got to pee on it". obviously, my friend thought the guy was making fun of him that is until the native walked up to him and stated pissing on him.

Apparently, it works.

Mach said:

well, i think its ok, as long we don't meet up in the Amazon river.




[Edited 5/7/05 11:57am]

sinisterpentatonic said:

Mach said:

's probably wouldn't be a good idea to pee in the water, either.



[Edited 5/7/05 12:12pm]

Dude that's crazy, I knew jellyfish were dangerous, but DAMN! 2 - 3 minutes ok, I am not going into waters anymore.

Tish4 said:

U likey likey?

I've been stung by a jellyfish, not sure as to the type. It hur like hell and although the tentacle actually struck me from the ankle to the back of my calf, my entire leg was in pain up till the groin. Fortunately I was in Mexico when it happened and getting prescription pain killers is so hard.

CoJones said:

Here, in the states, it's hard to buy efedrine, and satisfying doses of caffine.

AsianBomb777 said:

PANDURITO said: