What are Irikanji?

Box jellyfishes (class Cubomedusae) are a box-shaped group of jellyfish characterized by a box-like bell and four columellae. Box jellyfishes are found in the waters around Australia and in the Indo-Pacific region. Most box jellyfish species are small (generally 10 to 25 centimeters, or 4 to 10 inches, across) and have 24 eyes (six on each side). Although many species are transparent or pale blue in color, some box jellyfish are brightly colored. All box jellyfish are predators that use their tentacles to envenomate and kill their prey.

Two deadly types of box jellyfish are _Chironex fleckeri_ (found off the north coast of Australia and along the coasts of Papua New Guinea and the Philippines) and _Carukia barnesi_ (found off the coast of northwestern Australia). Other box jellyfish species, such as _Morbakka virulenta_ of coastal Western Australia, are also highly dangerous.

All box jellyfish species deliver a powerful venom that kills humans and other large animals by destroying red blood cells, damaging the nervous system, and harming the heart. There are no known effective antivenoms for any box jellyfish species, and treatment focuses on relieving the pain and managing symptoms. First-aid treatment includes rinsing the sting area with seawater and applying vinegar, which helps to neutralize the venom.