Unknown Jellyfish | Australian Venom Research Unit

Often in cases of jellyfish sting, the animal responsible is not seen, partly because it is mostly transparent. Diagnosis of an unknown species may therefore be based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the appearance of the lesions.

Species	Signs and Symptoms
Box Jellyfish	Severe localised pain Pain increasing over about 15 minutes even after the removal of tentacles Wide (0.5–1.0 cm) erythematous lines where the tentacles have been in contact with the skin. Difficulty breathing (hypoventilation), swallowing or speaking Loss of consciousness Hypotension Dysrhythmia, cardiopulmonary arrest
Irukandji	Often the pain associated with the sting is mild and may initially go unnoticed. Similarly, the appearance of the stung area may be indistinguishable from healthy skin. Signs and symptoms appear 30 to 45 minutes after the envenomation. Nausea and vomiting Sweating Myalgia, lower back pain Hypertension Tachycardia
Bluebottle	Moderate to severe pain for up to two hours More serious clinical effects are seen in the larger, many-tentacled species: Headache Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Collapse
Hair Jelly	This jellyfish is not considered as serious a threat as those above. The sting site lesions have the appearance of multiple thin zig-zag but parallel weals surrounded by pale erythema. Burning pain at the site, lasting up to 11 hours Nausea and vomiting (uncommon) Lower back pain (uncommon) Abdominal pain (uncommon)