An international research team of biologists confirmed the presence of Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known from Japan, in Philippine waters.
Through close examination of the deadly jellyfish’s physical characteristics and DNA, the team discovered strong evidence that the species exists in the Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity hotspot that includes the Philippines.
The researchers discovered small genetic differences despite nearly identical physical characteristics between the Philippine and Japanese C. yamaguchii, suggesting the local jellyfish could be a separate species requiring further research altogether.
“We identified the Philippine population as a potential cryptic species. This means that we are being encouraged to determine if they belong to a new species or if their geographic isolation doesn’t make them entirely distinct from the Japanese population,” the team said.
Their study’s findings exceeded expectations, particularly regarding their hypothesis on the species’ presence in the Philippines.
They explained that both citizens and tourists of the coastal communities they visited played a significant role in the research since it was images and videos of box jellyfish, as well as traditional knowledge of the marine environment, that helped to confirm C. yamaguchii is widespread in Philippine waters.
“Their insights and experiences have helped us identify and confirm the presence of the box jellyfish in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. This collaboration between scientists and Filipinos or tourists (“the citizens”) highlights the importance of community involvement in scientific research,” the team said.
According to the researchers, their findings can help healthcare workers treat sting cases, policymakers implement regulations and guidelines for beach safety, and the general public avoid certain areas during peak jellyfish seasons and use protective gear.
The study titled “Molecular signatures reveal intra-species divergence, undetectable by traditional morphology, in the deadly box jellyfish, Chironex yamaguchii (Cubozoa; Chirodropidae) of Western Pacific” was published in the international journal Regional Studies in Marine Science.
The team included Dr. Sheldon Rey Boco, Christine Gloria Grace Capidos, and Dennis Talacay of The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project together with Raffy Jay Fornillos and Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology, Dr. Phuping Sucharitakul and Dr. Jonathan Lawley of Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science in Queensland, Australia; Dr. Allen Collins of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC; Joseph Elliz Comendador of National Museum of Natural History of the National Museum of the Philippines; and Facundo Rey Ladiao of Leyte Normal University.
