Sea Nettles Factsheet

Article | Updated 4 weeks ago

Chrysaora kynthia

Description

The sea nettle is bluish-white with colourless warts over the surface. It has a flattened dome-shaped bell that is up to 12 cm in diameter. It has frilly, long, central mouth arms, and 24 very long tentacles (see figure).

Biology

Jellies drift with the currents and swim with a pumping action of their bell. They have a central mouth surrounded by the mouth arms. They have a minute polyp stage that attaches to rocks and buds off the tiny jellies which then grow to maturity.

Distribution

Sea nettles have been reported from Dawesville, Cockburn Sound, Fremantle and Perth in summer.

Stings

Their sting is extremely painful but not life threatening.

Symptoms

A sudden burning sting that may persist for many hours. Raised red weals may occur, the redness may spread, and should disappear in 2 to 3 days.

Prevention

Do not swim in areas where they have been seen. Wear protective clothing such as a lycra top, skivvy or stinger suit.

First Aid

1. Do not treat with vinegar.
2. Remove any tentacles from the skin using tweezers or a gloved hand.
3. Neutralise sting with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and seawater, if unavailable wash the area with seawater.
4. 4 Apply cold pack, and possibly a pain relieving cream, to the affected area for pain relief. This may need to be repeated for some weeks if the itchiness persists.

Reference

Loisette M. Marsh & Shirley M. Slack-Smith (2010). Field Guide to Sea Stingers and other venomous and poisonous marine invertebrates of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum. Perth, Western Australia.