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An important species to keep in...

An important species to keep in mind this time of year if you are in Northern Australia. Photo by @daviddoubilet. Box jellyfish feeding on shrimp. Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) are one if the worlds most venomous creatures. Each tentacle has 500,000 (+\-) explosive cells called nematocysts with a microscopic harpoon that injects venom into prey. Encounters with larger specimens can lead to human death while others are extremely painful but treatable. These guys have 24 primitive eyes that detect light and help them navigate and avoid obstacles. They are active hunters reaching swimming speeds of 4 + mph. Northern Australia uses nets to protect and enclose some swimming beaches during "stinger season". We wear full body lycra suits, gloves and hoods as defense against stings. With @natgeo @natgeocreative #ocean #life #death #australia #jellyfish #picoftheday for #moreocean follow @jenniferhayesig with @daviddoubilet #justsnorkel #Repost @natgeo

 

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Uploaded on January 15, 2016
Taken on January 9, 2016