Nine-year-old Saxon Thomas (inset) found a box jellyfish while fishing in a Paradise Point canal. Pics: Supplied
A JELLYFISH found in a Paradise Point canal has been confirmed as a species of box jellyfish but experts say they will not test its poison until someone is stung.The long-tentacled creature, found by a nine-year-old fishing in a backyard canal, has shocked locals and marine scientists.
Queensland Museum marine expert Dr Merrick Ekins, who examined the jellyfish, said it appeared to be a new variety.
"It is not the same box jellyfish we see in North Queensland, but it is a species of box and it could have a dangerous sting," he said.
"Whether it is extremely painful, or dangerous, we won't know until someone is stung by one.
"We won't be testing the animal further, as we don't have the resources.
"It is very exciting to discover a new species so far south and we do encourage any south-east Queenslander who comes across a jellyfish that looks like a box to send it to us for examination."
Justin Thomas, whose son Saxon made the discovery, said there had been some doubt it was a box jellyfish to begin with.
"I was talking to the neighbour when I heard Saxon yelling out that he had found a box jellyfish," he said.
"I thought he must have been mistaken, but when we had a good look we were sure it was.
"We collected it carefully and sent it to the Queensland Museum.
"It's definitely made me think twice about my son and I swimming on the Coast.
"We will be very wary from now on."
Just two months ago a similar looking jellyfish was found at Main Beach and was found to be a morbakka jellyfish, not a species of box jellyfish.
Queensland's top jellyfish expert, James Cook University's Associate Professor Jamie Seymour, said the creature found on the Coast was definitely not a morbakka.
"It is a type of box jellyfish, but it would need to be closer examined to see what, if any, danger it poses to human life," he said.
"It could have been washed down the coast in bad weather earlier this year, or it could be a whole new species we have never seen before."
Anyone stung by any form of jellyfish should apply vinegar to the sting and seek medical help.
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