Venomous Jellyfish
The male box jellyfish Copula sivickisi, top, and female engage in a complex mating ritual unique among cnidarians (jellyfishes, hydroids, anemones, corals and their kin). Scientists hope that studying the evolutionary relationships will help in the development of antivenoms and treatments for stings. Photo: Alvaro E. Migotto
Venomous Jellyfish
With thousands of stinging cells that can emit deadly venom from tentacles reaching 10 feet in length, the 50 or so species of box jellyfish have long been of interest to scientists. Researchers now say they have determined the evolutionary relationships among the various species of box jellyfish, providing insight into the evolution of their toxicity. Pictured here is the Craybdea branchi, a box jellyfish native to the South African coast. Photo: Brent Viljoen
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