Denizens of the Deep Sea
Chironex Fleckeri
Behaviour and Adaptation to Mode of Life:Although CFs grow in clone during the polyp sexual stage, it exhibit a solitary life style. It is seemingly pretty-mannered but too lethal to be taken for granted.
Its attacks on humans are definitely accidental since it does not feed on man. It probably tries to avoid them as well as other large fish (sharks ,barracuda etc.) but unfortunately, it cannot control the deadly darts being fired from its tentacles, since they are stimulated by physical pressure and proteinous chemical substance found on these victims just as on its preys.
Its fragile body forms is compensated by the rapidity of its attack and potency of its toxin. A larger predator can easily swallow it just as a stung and struggling prawn can tear its body. Hence, it requires this highly efficient venom to paralyze and kill in fractions of minute. In fact it could snuff out life from humans within 3 minutes! (This rate is hardly rivaled among venomous creatures in the whole of animal kingdom). Little wonder how it has evolved and survive extinction.
The pale-blue color that makes it almost invisible in the water and mucus secreting cells on its body, that produce slippery milky slime covering the entire body all make up a good protection for CF. It attacks by wrapping its tentacles full of deadly harpoon on the body of the victim making marks of welts on the affected areas. It then stings instantly releasing the toxin from the nematocysts into the bogy of the victim.
However, this deadliness does not guarantee utter vulnerability. In fact, it serves CF better to avoid such enemies as rockfish, some species of seabirds, ocean sunfish and in particular, sea turtles which ironically, make the soft and deadly squishy stinger a harmless meal. Apparently, the toxin has no effect on them.
Systematics of Chironex Fleckeri
Morphology of Chironex Fleckeri
Life Cycle of Chironex Fleckeri
Mode of Life of Chironex Fleckeri