Sizing Up the Sea Wasps: Chiropsalmus quadramanus in Geogria Waters
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Kathryn Craven
Faculty Mentor Email
.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Research Poster Presentation (File Not Available for Download)
Location
COUR Symposium 2021
Presentation Year
2021
Start Date
4-19-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
April 2021
Abstract
The box jellyfish, widely known as Sea Wasps, are from the Phylum Cnidaria, and Class Cubozoa. They most commonly inhabit the Indo Pacific regions , mainly Australia. The goal of this research is to document and characterize the maturity of the box jelly specimens found in Chatham county on the Georgia coast. Preliminary data suggests our specimens are measuring to be significantly smaller than adult size. The newly measured samples of Chiropsalmus quadrumanus found in Georgia waters are juveniles. Specimens were collected opportunistically between 2006 and 2009 in Wassaw Sound and Tybee Island, preserved in 10% formalin solution, and measured with vernier caliper. Bell height is the key characteristic used as a comparison to historical size records due to the variability in other dimensions. Our next step in research would be to search for living specimens off the coast and catch them to study which life stage they are in and how the Georgia coast supports their development.
Academic Unit
Department of Biology
Sizing Up the Sea Wasps: Chiropsalmus quadramanus in Geogria Waters
COUR Symposium 2021
The box jellyfish, widely known as Sea Wasps, are from the Phylum Cnidaria, and Class Cubozoa. They most commonly inhabit the Indo Pacific regions , mainly Australia. The goal of this research is to document and characterize the maturity of the box jelly specimens found in Chatham county on the Georgia coast. Preliminary data suggests our specimens are measuring to be significantly smaller than adult size. The newly measured samples of Chiropsalmus quadrumanus found in Georgia waters are juveniles. Specimens were collected opportunistically between 2006 and 2009 in Wassaw Sound and Tybee Island, preserved in 10% formalin solution, and measured with vernier caliper. Bell height is the key characteristic used as a comparison to historical size records due to the variability in other dimensions. Our next step in research would be to search for living specimens off the coast and catch them to study which life stage they are in and how the Georgia coast supports their development.
