Creature Feature

Box Jellies

Phylum Cnidaria; Class Cubozoa (box jellies) Best known for their extremely powerful venom Highest risk period for the box jellyfish is between October to May Abundant in the warm waters of northern Australia and Indo-Pacific Global warming is allowing them to inhabit new areas!

Sea Wasp (Chironex fleckeri) Tentacles are covered in a high density of nematocysts Sting causes excruciating pain and can kill in as little as 3 minutes Amount of venom in one animal is enough to kill 60 adult humans Is believed to be the most venomous creature in the world Live on a diet of prawns and small fish Preyed on by turtles, which are the only creatures known to be immune to their stings

Irukandji Jellyfish (Carukia barnesi) 2.5 cm (with bell and tentacles) in diameter Sting causes symptoms which are collectively known as "Irukandji syndrome“ Initial sting is typically mild Followed, minutes to hours later, by: – Vomiting – Profuse sweating – Headache and agitation – Rapid heart rate and very high blood pressure

Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

Range in size from 6-12 inches Ambush predators Are primarily associated with coral reefs Venomous dorsal spines are used for defense Stings can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, and respiratory distress Widely used in the aquarium trade

, 49 lionfish sightings were reported at 16 different shipwrecks and natural hard bottom locations. Summer 2004 NOAA scientists collected 155 lionfish at 19 different locations off the North Carolina coast alone. Indicates that the lionfish is reproducing in the Atlantic Ocean

Invasive? Released from broken aquariums during hurricane Andrew in 1992 Released as unwanted pets – Grew too large for tank – Ate other fish in tank The Gulf Stream likely transported buoyant lionfish eggs and larvae from Florida northward

Problems They were not likely to survive long in the colder waters Predators and competitors present in the marine community in the Atlantic are very different from the native range of the lionfish. – May outcompete native species (ex. Grouper and Snapper)

Gulper Eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides)

Saccopharyngiformes Order of unusual ray- finned fishes Lack several bones, and have no scales, pelvic fins, or swim bladder 3-6 feet in length Found in all tropical and subtropical seas at depths ranging from 900 to 8,000 m (3,000 to 26,200 ft) Lateral line is raised – increases sensitivity

Due to its specialized body shape, they are poor swimmers Relies on the luminescent organ at the tip of its tail to attract prey – Consists of numerous tentacles, which – Glows pink and gives off occasional bright red flashes – Lunges and snaps up prey

Mouth is loosely-hinged Stomach can stretch and expand to accommodate large meals Typically eats fish, copepods, shrimp, and plankton

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Reptile 70 year lifespan Average 1,000 lbs Average ft in length Population estimates range from 200,000 to 300,000 worldwide Protected species in Australia Cruise at 2 to 3 mph Swim 15 to 18 miles per hour in short bursts

Spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps and rivers Move downstream to estuaries in the dry season Sometimes traveling far out to sea

Opportunistic apex predator Eat pretty much ANYTHING they want!! Prefer to bask during the day Hunt at night/dusk

Attacks by Crocs! Keep croc areas well posted Most attacks are fatal Usually only one or two attacks Most unreported attacks most likely occur in New Guinea

Salties vs. Freshies Saltwater CrocAmerican Alligator

Australian Freshwater Crocodile