A growing number of young box jellyfish have been spotted in yacht marinas along the eastern coastline – but don’t panic, they are not related to the lethal ones which drift through the Australian waters.

The species in Malta is known as the Carybdea marsupialis and has a diameter of between 5cm and 7cm as well as four tentacles. It is transparent and rather difficult to spot.

Marine biologist Alan Deidun explained that since the Spot the Jellyfish campaign started five years ago, the box jellyfish was discovered to be more common in Maltese waters than originally suspected.

It does not cause a pronounced rash like the mauve stinger because its tentacles are much thinner

It seems to be found only in certain hotspots, mainly in the yacht marinas of Vittoriosa, Msida and Ta’ Xbiex and in Xemxija.

“It is found along the eastern coastline, not the west. We are still studying why it is found in such locations. We think that it might use the concrete walls of quays and jetties to lay its eggs, which attach themselves to these walls.

“There might be environmental factors involved as well, such as its preference for polluted waters,” he said.

The Carybdea marsupialis is commonly sighted between early summer and late summer or early autumn. It is most easily spotted at night as it is attracted to pontoon lights. It delivers a painful sting similar to that of the mauve stinger, the violet jellyfish so common in Maltese waters.

“However, it does not cause a pronounced rash like the mauve stinger does because its tentacles are much thinner, so it does not leave large lashes.

“Obviously, it also depends on the sensitivity of a person’s skin and allergic reaction,” Dr Deidun said.

Freshwater is the worst thing with which to treat a jellyfish sting. Box jellyfish stings should be washed with seawater and vinegar.

A plastic card should be used to remove residuals of tentacles and hot packs or hot water immersion (40-45°C) should be applied for between five and 15 minutes.

Conversely, a mauve stinger’s sting should be treated by applying baking soda mixed with seawater.

Ice packs should be wrapped in a cloth or thin towel and applied for between five and 15 minutes.

For more information, visit www.ioikids.net/jellyfish.