WoRMS source details
Gershwin, L-A. (2014). Two new species of box jellies (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida) from the central coast of Western Australia, both presumed to cause Irukandji syndrome. Records of the Western Australian Museum. 29: 10-19.
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Gershwin, L-A.
2014
Two new species of box jellies (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida) from the central coast of Western Australia, both presumed to cause Irukandji syndrome
Records of the Western Australian Museum
29: 10-19.
Publication
Available for editors [request]
Irukandji jellies are of increasing interest as their stings are becoming more frequently
reported around the world. Previously only two species were known from Western Australia, namely
Carukia shinju Gershwin, 2005 and Malo maxima Gershwin, 2005, both from Broome. Two new species
believed to cause Irukandji syndrome have recently been found and are described herein. One, Malo
bella sp. nov., is from the Ningaloo Reef and Dampier Archipelago regions. It differs from its congeners
in its small size at maturity, its statolith shape, irregular warts on the perradial lappets, and a unique
combination of other traits outlined herein. This species is not associated with any particular stings, but
its phylogenetic affi nity would suggest that it may be highly toxic. The second species, Keesingia gigas
gen. et sp. nov., is from the Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef regions. This enormous species is unique in
possessing key characters of three families, including crescentic phacellae and broadly winged pedalia
(Alatinidae) and deeply incised rhopalial niches and feathery diverticulations on the velarial canals
(Carukiidae and Tamoyidae). These two new species bring the total species known or believed to cause
Irukandji syndrome to at least 16. Research into the biology and ecology of these species should be
considered a high priority, in order to manage their potential impacts on public safety.
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Keesingia Gershwin, 2014 (original description)
Keesingia gigas Gershwin, 2014 (original description)
Malo bella Gershwin, 2014 (original description)
Keesingia gigas Gershwin, 2014 (original description)
Malo bella Gershwin, 2014 (original description)
Holotype WAM Z27970, verbatimGeounit 5 nm west of Cape In..., identified as Keesingia gigas Gershwin, 2014
Holotype WAM Z27971, verbatimGeounit approximately 300 m ..., identified as Malo bella Gershwin, 2014
Holotype WAM Z27971, verbatimGeounit approximately 300 m ..., identified as Malo bella Gershwin, 2014