The evolutionary relationships between the different species of box jellyfish has been discovered by scientists in America and Australia, and may help researchers make informed choices in future venom studies.

Box jellyfish inhabit the warm coastal areas and are well known in Australia, the Philippines and South East Asia and Hawaii.  Their toxicity varies among species and ranges from being completely harmless to humans, to causing death within minutes following a sting.

 “By determining the relationship among the different boy jellyfish, some of which are capable of killing a healthy human being, this study can help in the future development of antivenoms and treatments for their stings,” said Allen Collin, a specialist in Cnidaria – the phylum of animals which includes box jellyfish – and NOAA researcher from North East Fisheries Science Centre National Systematics Laboratory. 

Collins, along with NOAA researchers Bastian Bentlage and Cheryl Lewis Ames worked with scientists from the University of Kansas, the Pacific Biosciences Research Centre in Hawaii and the University of Queesland in Australia.  The researchers took DNA from tissue samples, and used a number of genetic tests and analytical techniques to trace the evolution of various species and their toxicity, and to sort out misidentified species.

“Knowing who is related to whom among the box jellyfish will be very helpful in making predictions about species that are not well known,” said Collins, who suggests that if one jellyfish causes a disease  or illness, it is likely that a close relative will do the same.

The study also showed that the venom of box jellyfish may contain a unique family of proteins, but more toxicological tests and more specimens are needed to develop antivenoms and treatment for stings.

Box jellyfish – named for their cubiod shape – are members of Cubozoa, the smallest class of Cnidaria.  The Australian box jelly fish, Chironex fleckeri, is the largest species and is considered the most venomous – its sting can be fatal.  Its close relative Chironex yamaguchii has caused death in Japan and the Philippines.  There are around 50 species of box jellyfish – with thousands of stinging cell on tentacles that can reach ten feet.