Do clear jellyfish sting

Answer 1

Stinging cells are activated only if the jellyfish touch and recognize some specific organic compounds; in this way, they don't sting themselves, other jellyfishes of the same species (and probably some similar ones), while can recognize and sting some other cnidarians; however, is possible that the nervous system, in some cases, can choose, independently from the specific stinging cell receptions, to sting or not.

Answer 2

Yes; jellyfishes, usually, kill their prey. Nematocysts(stinging organs) inoculate, inside the prey's body, a liquid containing substances which kills animals by osmotic shock, hemolysis, nervous system paralysis or anaphylactic shock. If the mixture is effective and enough, it can kill also humans; however the lethal quantity can depend also from the individual immunitary system (if a person is more or less allergic). The most deadly jellyfishes are Cubozoa. To be more specific and accurate regarding death to humans, cubozoans or box jellyfish can and do kill people with several species including what is known to be the most venomous animal on the planet, chironex fleckeri. The venom discharged via the nematocysts of these lethal box jellyfish is cardio and neurotoxic and it is the toxin that will kill, often within a few minutes and not the misconception of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. Allergy has absolutely nothing to do with it and death in this manner is unheard of. Lethal box jellyfish are a problem in the tropical coastal waters of countries including Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. Precautions such as wearing lycra body suits and carrying vinegar which neutralizes the nematocysts if stung is recommended when swimming, snorkeling, etc in the waters of these countries. There are estimates of 100-200 people killed each year by box jellyfish throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The box jellyfish is in a movie called 7 pounds

Answer 3

Jellies don't have bones, brains, hearts or blood. Most jellyfish do not have specialized digestive, osmoregulatory, central nervous, respiratory, or circulatory systems. It is unlikely that they would feel such an emotion.

Answer 4

Definition

Jellyfish are sea creatures that have a nearly see-through (transparent) body with long finger-like structures called tentacles. Stinging cells inside the tentacles can hurt you if you come in contact with them. Some stings can cause serious harm.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Jellyfish venom

Where Found

Types of jellyfish include:

• Lion's mane (Cyanea capillata)
• Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis)
• Sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), one of the most common jellyfish found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
• Sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri, Chiropsalmus quadrigatus), found near the coasts of northern Australia and the Philippines

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Symptoms

Portuguese man-of-war:

• Abdominal pain
• Changes in pulse
• Chest pain
• Collapse
• Headache
• Muscle pain and muscle spasms
• Numbness and weakness
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Raised red spot where stung
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Swallowing difficulty
• Sweating

Sea wasp:

• Breathing difficulty
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain and swelling
• Slow heart beat
• Skin tissue death

Lion's mane:

• Breathing difficulty
• Muscle cramps
• Skin burning and blistering (severe)

Sea nettle

• Mild skin rash (with mild stings)
• Muscle cramps and breathing difficulty (with extensive contact)

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical attention.

If you know for certain that the person has been stung by a Portuguese man-of-war or sea nettle, wash with salt water (ocean water is OK, but make sure you do NOT get sand in the wound). Protect affected area if possible. Soak the area with a solution made of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove the tentacles. Rinse the area and then resoak with more 1/2 strength vinegar.

(You may also remove tentacles by applying a paste made of flour or shaving cream and scraping the area with a dull instrument such as a credit card.)

Apply a cream containing a painkiller, an antihistamine, or a corticosteroid.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the marine animal if possible
• Time stung

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Antivenin (for sea wasp stings)
• Breathing assistance
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV)

Expectations (prognosis)

Portuguese man-of-war and sea nettle stings are rarely deadly. Sea wasp stings can be deadly in minutes.

References

Simon B, Hern HG Jr. Wound management principles. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 56.

Isbister GK, Caldicott DG. Trauma and evenomations from marine fauna. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 196.

Answer 5

Definition

Jellyfish are sea creatures that have a nearly see-through (transparent) body with long finger-like structures called tentacles. Stinging cells inside the tentacles can hurt you if you come in contact with them. Some stings can cause serious harm.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Jellyfish venom

Where Found

Types of jellyfish include:

• Lion's mane (Cyanea capillata)
• Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis)
• Sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), one of the most common jellyfish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
• Sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri, Chiropsalmus quadrigatus), also known as box jellyfish, found near the coasts of northern Australia and the Philippines

Note: This list is not all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Portuguese man-of-war:

• Abdominal pain
• Changes in pulse
• Chest pain
• Collapse
• Headache
• Muscle pain and muscle spasms
• Numbness and weakness
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Raised red spot where stung
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Swallowing difficulty
• Sweating

Sea wasp:

• Breathing difficulty
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain and swelling
• Slow heart beat
• Skin tissue death

Lion's mane:

• Breathing difficulty
• Muscle cramps
• Skin burning and blistering (severe)

Sea nettle

• Mild skin rash (with mild stings)
• Muscle cramps and breathing difficulty (with extensive contact)

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical attention.

If you know for certain that the person has been stung by a Portuguese man-of-war or sea nettle, wash with salt water (ocean water is okay, but make sure you do NOT get sand in the wound). Protect affected area if possible. Soak the area with a solution made of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove the tentacles. Rinse the area and then resoak with more 1/2 strength vinegar.

(You may also remove tentacles by applying a paste made of flour or shaving cream and scraping the area with a dull instrument such as a credit card.)

Apply a cream containing a painkiller, an antihistamine, or a corticosteroid.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the marine animal if possible
• Time stung

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Antivenin (for sea wasp stings)
• Breathing assistance
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV)

Expectations (prognosis)

Portuguese man-of-war and sea nettle stings are rarely deadly. Sea wasp stings can be deadly in minutes.

References

Simon B, Hern HG Jr. Wound management principles. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 56.

Isbister GK, Caldicott DG. Trauma and evenomations from marine fauna. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 196.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 12/15/2011

Eric Perez, MD, St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY, NY, and Pegasus Emergency Group (Meadowlands and Hunterdon Medical Centers), NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Answer 6

the answer to this question is yes, jellyfish do sting in the ocean.

Answer 7

Jellyfish will only sting one another if they are box jellyfish or both male.

Answer 8

Yes, they can.

Answer 9

Clear jelly fish do not sting.