New Deadly Box Jellyfish Species Found in Singapore Waters

Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new species of box jellyfish, which adds to the variety of known species. This discovery took place in the coastal waters near Sentosa Island, Singapore, by researchers from Tohoku University and the National University of Singapore.

The new jellyfish has been named Chironex blakangmati, after the island’s historical Malay name, Pulau Blakang Mati, meaning "Island of Death Behind." This discovery brings the total number of jellyfish in the Chironex genus to four. These jellyfish are particularly dangerous, as their stings can be fatal to humans within minutes.

Initially, C. blakangmati was thought to be the same as another species called Chironex yamaguchii, which was first documented in Okinawa, Japan. For many years, the two species were confused due to their similar appearances. Lead researcher Cheryl Ames noted this similarity but concluded that they are distinct species. She examined an old sample of C. yamaguchii from her research at Okinawa to confirm the differences.

Genetic testing clarified the confusion, while a detailed examination of their physical structure confirmed it. The key difference lies in the jellyfish’s perradial lappets—messy structures at the base of the bell. In previous species, these lappets have pointed canals, while C. blakangmati lacks them entirely. This finding enhances our understanding of jellyfish diversity and their ecosystems.

How much do you know?

What is the name of the newly discovered jellyfish species?

Chironex blakangmati

Chironex yamaguchii

Aurelia aurita

Cyanea capillata

Where was the new species of jellyfish discovered?

Great Barrier Reef

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Okinawa, Japan

Bali, Indonesia

How many species are there in the Chironex genus after this discovery?

Two

Three

Four

Five

What is the meaning of the historical name 'Pulau Blakang Mati'?

Island of Light

Island of Death Behind

Island of Jellyfish

Island of Research

Which university conducted the research alongside Tohoku University?

Harvard University

National University of Singapore

Stanford University

University of Tokyo

What did genetic testing clarify regarding the jellyfish species?

They are the same species

They are distinct species

They are variations of the same species

They have no relationship

The newly discovered jellyfish can be fatal to humans within seconds.

True False

Cheryl Ames was the lead researcher who confirmed the differences between the jellyfish species.

True False

C. blakangmati has pointed canals in its perradial lappets.

True False

Okinawa, Japan, is where Chironex yamaguchii was first documented.

True False

The study of C. blakangmati did not enhance understanding of jellyfish diversity.

True False

The discovery of C. blakangmati took place in the coastal waters near Japan.

True False

The new jellyfish species is named blakangmati.

Prior to the discovery, C. blakangmati was confused with yamaguchii.

The historical name for Sentosa Island means 'Island of Death .'

Genetic testing helped clarify the confusion between jellyfish species and indicated they are species.

The perradial lappets of C. blakangmati pointed canals.

This discovery contributes to our understanding of jellyfish and their ecosystems.

This question is required