The incredible new 24-eyed jellyfish species you never knew existed

The discovery of a new species of jellyfish with 24 eyes, named Tripedalia maipoensis, has recently been published in the Journal of Zoological Studies. The discovery of this new box jellyfish species is an exciting and significant event, as it marks the first time a new box jellyfish species has been found in Chinese waters.

The jellyfish was discovered at the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to over 400 species of fish, over 230 species of birds, and various other marine and terrestrial life species.

This discovery is significant to researchers, as it could provide insight into the evolution and behavior of box jellyfish species in the region. In addition, with the discovery of this new species, researchers now better understand the diversity of box jellyfish in the area.

The new species of box jellyfish is characterized by its unique morphology, including its biforked velarial canals. These biforked velarial canals are the primary distinguishing factor between this species and other box jellyfish species of the same genus.

The velarial canals are the internal structures responsible for water circulation and respiration. The fact that this species has biforked canals rather than single or branched canals is a significant difference between it and other species. This new species is thus easily identifiable and can be easily distinguished from other species of the same genus.

The discovery of this new species highlights the importance of conserving marine life in Hong Kong and the whole of China. It also emphasizes the need for further research and exploration of the region’s marine ecosystems.

The Mai Po Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area in Hong Kong, and is an essential habitat for many species of birds and marine life. This recent discovery of a rare jellyfish species adds to the reserve’s significance as an important site for scientific research and conservation efforts.

The area is home to various species, including migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. In addition, the Mai Po Nature Reserve is an integral part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and provides a refuge for waterbirds traveling along the flyway.

The area is also home to many habitats, including mudflats, saltmarshes, reed beds, and mangrove forests, all providing sanctuary for various species. The Mai Po Nature Reserve provides a unique opportunity for researchers and conservationists to study and protect the diverse biodiversity in this wetland area.

Studying this new species of box jellyfish is of great importance to the scientific community, as it helps us gain a greater insight into the evolution and diversity of this particular species. Box jellyfish are notorious for their potent venom, which can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal to humans.

This research not only helps to further our knowledge of the box jellyfish species, but it also has the potential to aid in developing treatments and antivenoms for those who come into contact with the jellyfish.

Overall, the discovery of Tripedalia maipoensis is a remarkable achievement for the scientific community, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and scientific research in the region. The rich diversity of marine life in Hong Kong and the whole of China reminds us of the importance of protecting our oceans and the many species that call it home.

Furthermore, this discovery serves as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of our natural world and the need for continued exploration and discovery.

References

[i] Yanan Sun et al., A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Cnidaria: Tripedaliidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China (Mar. 20, 2023)

[ii] Hong Kong Baptist University HKBU-led team discovers new box jellyfish species in Mai Po Hong Kong (Apr. 18, 2023)