PANAJI: Scientists in Goa have reported the first-ever sighting of the highly venomous box jellyfish (Morbakka virulenta) in Indian waters. The species was discovered off Caranzalem beach in September 2024, where five specimens were collected and confirmed using both morphological and molecular identification methods.
The findings were published this year in Science Direct and the Astrophysics Data System, which is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under NASA Cooperative Agreement.
Given the potent venom of box jellyfish, researchers stress the need for continuous monitoring of coastal waters for human risk management. In recent years, jellyfish stings have become more common along India's coasts, affecting both fishermen and tourists.
The scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa carefully studied the marine animals' shapes and tested their DNA. Both methods confirmed that the jellyfish were indeed Morbakka virulenta. Throughout the survey period, only nine M. virulenta species were identified. As the observations were from a beach seine, there is a high probability of their presence in the surrounding coastal waters, they stated in a study titled 'First report of the fiery box jellyfish Morbakka virulenta in Indian waters identified through integrative taxonomy'.
The research underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance to mitigate risks posed by this dangerous species, particularly as jellyfish encounters increase along Indian shores.
