Venomous box jellyfish spotted in Gulf of Mannar

AMONG a bloom of jellyfish sighted along the coast of the Gulf of Mannar, box jellyfish of the species Chironex indrasaksajiae, notorious for causing fatalities, were spotted.

- S GODSON WISELY DASS

Meanwhile, researchers of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have taken the specimen for research purposes.

Although jellyfish sightings are common along the coasts in Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur and other east coast areas, people raised alarm over its consequences. According to local fishers, jellyfishes of Lobonemoides sp (Chen soari), Cephea sp (Ana soari), Chrysaora sp (Vaal soari), Acromitus sp (Mutta soari), Ceyanea (Aluva soari), and others are sighted off the east coast but cause limited issues like itching, nausea and pains, whereas Physalia physalis (Kaka soari) and Chironex sp (Naalu mukku soari) are dangerous.