| Malo maxima | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Drawing of medusa | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Cubozoa |
| Order: | Carybdeida |
| Family: | Carukiidae |
| Genus: | Malo |
| Species: | M. maxima |
| Binomial name | |
| Malo maxima Gershwin, 2005 | |
Malo maxima is a small, and extremely dangerousIrukandji jellyfish that is known to causeIrukandji syndrome. It is one of the four species ofMalo, along withMalo bella,Malo filipina, andMalo kingi. TheMalo maxima was first described in 2005 byLisa-ann Gershwin, who also described the Malo bella andMalo kingi jellyfish along with over 200 other species of jellyfish.[1]Malo maxima differs from other species of jellyfish in many ways but the most confusing one is that they swim more like fish than jellyfish, however the reason for this is still unknown.[2]
TheMalo maxima has a tall, narrow, robust body with a flattened apex and measures to about 5 cm.[3] Even though it is very small,Malo maxima is the largest member of its genus. The individuals are also translucent, making them very difficult for the human eye to see easily.[1]
Research from the scientific paper “Early Life History and Metamorphosis inMalo maxima” showed that the metamorphosis ofMalo maxima from a sessile (immobile) polyp into a free-swimming medusa took 111 days following fertilization.
Irukandji Jellyfish can be found in oceans all around the world, howeverMalo maxima can only be found in the tropicalwestern Australian waters, specifically theBroome region.[4] It is believed thatMalo maxima have specific habitat preferences considering they tend to live in similar regions. However, there is currently no solid evidence to back up this theory because scientists have still not identified their polyp states. The Irukandji Jellyfish does not tend to be close to shore but every now and then they wander into a close proximity to shore. This tends to be the only time humans come into contact with Irukandji Jellyfish unless it is bloom season.[5] The sign that Irukandji Jellyfish are in the area includes sea lice felt in the water and clusters ofsalps.[1]
The sting of all Irukandji Jellyfish is believed to cause Irukandji Syndrome and can be potentially fatal, however the sting of theMalo maxima is the most dangerous of the Malo species. Only two types of species have the venom to cause Irukandji syndrome, the Irukandji Jellyfish andthe Box Jelly. The Box Jelly is extremely more venomous than the Irukandji Jellyfish. Stings from a Box Jelly are much more fatal than those of an Irukandji Jellyfish, however that does not make Irukandji stings any less dangerous and painful. Irukandji syndrome can cause sweating, anxiety, muscle spasm, severehypertension and potentially latehypotension and cardiac failure. The sting site has minimal local reaction and does not take effect right away and becomes worse as time goes on.[6] Scientists have just recently figured out how the venom of theMalo maxima affects the heart. The venom causes a concentration-dependentinotropic responses in the left atria of the heart, however it has no effect on the right atria. It appears that the venom does not activate theparasympathetic nervous system, but thesympathetic nervous system. The venom also stimulates the sensory nerve CGRP to release in only the left atria and the resistance arteries.[7] The most effective therapy for Irukandji syndrome seems to be an intravenous infusion ofmagnesium.[6]
Australia experiences extreme jellyfish blooms, specifically Irukandji Jellyfish blooms. The Irukandji Jellyfish blooms includeMalo maxima as well as the other types of Irukandji. Human activity such as catching fish and pollution are making them a more common occurrence. These blooms take a toll on the ecosystems around them. They also make it difficult for ships to get through and make the water extremely dangerous for divers.[5]
Data related toMalo maxima at Wikispecies