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Sea Wasp

The sea wasp, also known as the box jellyfish, is believed to be the world’s most venomous animal.

 

Found mainly in the shallow waters of Australian and Southeast Asia, this nearly invisible predator is both fascinating and formidable. Unlike the more familiar bell-shaped jellyfish, it has a cube-like, transparent body — giving it one of its names, “box jellyfish.” Its body can reach up to 35 centimeters (13.7 inches) across, and from each of its four corners hang clusters of blue-gray tinted tentacles that can extend as long as 3 meters (10 feet). Each tentacle is lined with millions of specialized stinging cells, capable of injecting potent venom that attack its prey and cause paralysis or death. 

Though it has no brain, the sea wasp is an active hunter — using its ability to swim (unique among jellyfish) and 24 light-sensing eyes to look for prey. Adult sea wasps eat mostly prawns and small fish, using the venom on their tentacles to rapidly immobilize and kill their meal. While their venom deters almost all would-be predators, green sea turtles have thick enough skin that they’re not afraid to chow down on the stinging sea wasp!

 

 

These jellyfish are not known to face any major threats and are not considered a species at risk. However, like all ocean animals, they depend on healthy, clean, abundant oceans to survive.

 

 

Protecting and restoring our oceans benefits wildlife around the world. By speaking up and working together, we can create real, measurable change for oceans and marine life. Learn more about Oceana’s campaigns to protect and restore marine biodiversity and abundance here.

 

 

 

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