Venomous jellyfish from Japan found in PH waters — study

A dangerous species of jellyfish that is known in Japan were detected in Philippine waters, according to research by Filipino and some foreign scientists.

The scientists found evidence that Chironex yamaguchii exists in the so-called Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity hotspot that includes the Philippines.

“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,” according to a statement released by the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science.

“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.”

But despite their nearly identical physical characteristics, the scientists discovered small genetic differences between the Philippine and Japanese C. yamaguchii, suggesting that the Philippine C. yamaguchii may be a separate species requiring further research.

“Knowing the genetic diversity and distribution of C. yamaguchii helps in correctly identifying the jellyfish responsible for stings, which is crucial for effective treatment and management,” the scientists said.

“Understanding the presence of jellyfish populations in various regions can also help assess the risk of jellyfish stings in those areas, which can protect local communities and tourists.”

Further, among the goals of the scientists in conducting the study is to raise awareness on C. yamaguchii to help policymakers implement regulations and guidelines for beach safety and managing jellyfish populations.

The research team was composed of Sheldon Rey Boco, Christine Gloria Grace Capidos and Dennis Talacay of The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project together with Raffy Jay Fornillos and Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology; Phuping Sucharitakul and Jonathan Lawley of Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science in Queensland, Australia; Allen Collins of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC; Joseph Elliz Comendador of National Museum of Natural History of the National Museum of the Philippines; and Facundo Rey Ladiao of Leyte Normal University. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News