New species of venomous box jellyfish found in PH waters

Several new species of box jellyfish, including types of the highly venomous Irukandji jellyfish, have been documented in Philippine waters.

Researchers officially documented the first Philippine records for Alatina alata, Carybdea cuboides, Malo sp., and Morbakka virulenta.

New records were also confirmed for Copula sivickisi and Malo filipina, both identified as types of Irukandji jellyfish.

The team of marine researchers is composed of personnel from the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science's Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project, Batavia Coast Maritime Institute in Western Australia, RY Photography, Anilao Critters Studio, and Squires Sports Philippines.

Studying these carybdeid box jellyfish is vital as they are part of the marine food chain and their presence or absence can indicate the health of marine ecosystems.