Chiropsalmus quadrigatus

Chiropsalmus quadrigatus is similar to, but smaller than, the box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri. The bell measures up to 7cm and the number of tentacles on each of the pedalia (fleshy arms) seldom exceeds nine. The tentacles are shorter and finer than those of C. fleckeri. Its venom contains lethal, dermatonecrotic and haemolytic properties in approximately the same proportions as Chironex venom, but the venom output of Chiropsalmus is much less (Barnes estimated in 1966 that the stinging potential of C. quadrigatus was approximately 10% of that of C. fleckeri), and the toxicity of the venom in mice (as tested by Freeman and Turner in 1972) was approximately one sixth of the toxicity of Chironex venom. Stinging results in severe pain and shock, but the illness is less severe than that of the box jellyfish. Residual scarring is usually minimal. No deaths from the sting of this genus have been reported in Australia, although there have been reported deaths in the Philippines. Box jellyfish antivenom has been shown experimentally to neutralize Chiropsalmus venom, but clinical experience is lacking.