Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Singapore Researchers Identify Highly Venomous Jellyfish as New Species
Scientists found that a box jellyfish from Singapore is a species they had not recognized before.
The jellyfish had been mistaken for a different species called Chironex yamaguchii.
That other species was first discovered in Okinawa, Japan.
Researchers studied specimens collected from Singapore beaches in 2020 and 2021.
They compared the animals’ bodies and DNA.
Those comparisons showed the Singapore jellyfish was different enough to be its own species.
Scientists named it Chironex blakangmati.
It is highly venomous.
Researchers identified a new box jellyfish species, Chironex blakangmati, in specimens collected from Singapore beaches.
The specimens were collected in 2020 and 2021.
Scientists initially classified the jellyfish as Chironex yamaguchii, a species first discovered in Okinawa, Japan.
Comparisons of the jellyfish’s bodies and DNA showed that the Singapore animals were a distinct species.
The newly described species is highly venomous.
- Who
- Researchers studying box jellyfish near Singapore.
- What
- They identified Chironex blakangmati as a new species, previously mistaken for Chironex yamaguchii.
- When
- The specimens were collected in 2020 and 2021; the article does not state when the species was identified.
- Where
- Singapore beaches; Chironex yamaguchii was first discovered in Okinawa, Japan.
- Why
- Body and DNA comparisons showed the Singapore jellyfish was a distinct species.
- New species
- Chironex blakangmati
- Previously identified as
- Chironex yamaguchii
- Specimen collection
- 2020 and 2021
- Collection location
- Singapore beaches
- Identification evidence
- Comparisons of body characteristics and DNA
- Venom
- The species is highly venomous