• The Blue Nose Jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii) is a species of jellyfish that is found in the
Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the coastal waters of western Europe. It is named for its
distinctive blue coloration on the top of its bell, which can range from a pale blue to a
deep violet-blue. The bell can grow up to 30cm in diameter.
• The tentacles of the Blue Nose Jellyfish can grow up to 3 meters long, and are lined
with stinging cells called nematocysts. These cells can be used for both defense and
capturing prey. The Blue Nose Jellyfish primarily feeds on small fish and plankton.
• Like all jellyfish, the Blue Nose Jellyfish has a simple body structure, with no brain or
central nervous system. Instead, it has a nerve net that allows it to detect changes in its
environment and respond to stimuli.
• Encounters with the Blue Nose Jellyfish can be dangerous, as its stings can cause a
painful reaction in humans. If you encounter a Blue Nose Jellyfish while swimming or
diving, it is important to give it a wide berth and avoid contact with its tentacles.
• The Blue Nose Jellyfish is primarily a carnivorous species, and it feeds on a variety of
small marine animals such as zooplankton, fish eggs, and other jellyfish. It plays an
important ecological role as both predator and prey in the marine ecosystem.
Symptoms and Treatments:
• The sting can cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, and in some cases, more serious
reactions such as nausea, muscle cramps, and difficulty breathing. The severity of the
reaction can vary depending on the individual and the amount of venom injected.
• If you are stung by the Blue Nose Jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii), the following first aid and
second aid steps are recommended based on current evidence:
First Aid:
• Rinse the affected area with vinegar or saltwater to prevent further venom release and
carefully remove any tentacles that may be attached to your skin.
• Soak the affected area in hot water (40-45°C) for at least 20 minutes. This can help to
reduce pain and inactivate any remaining venom. Avoid using freshwater, ice, or
applying pressure as this can cause more venom to be released.
• If hot water is not available, you can use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to help
alleviate pain and swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may be used to manage pain and
swelling.
Second Aid:
• Seek medical attention if you experience more serious symptoms such as difficulty
breathing, chest pain, or a systemic allergic reaction.
• In cases of severe sting reactions, medical treatment may involve the administration of
pain relievers, antihistamines, or corticosteroids, and in rare cases, anti-venom.
• In cases of anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions, emergency treatment may
involve the administration of epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and other medications.
• It is important to note that Blue Nose Jellyfish stings are usually not life-threatening, but
if you experience severe symptoms or have an allergic reaction, seek medical attention
immediately.
Evidence based Links for the above statements:
• Hot water immersion for the treatment of jellyfish stings: https://academic.oup.com/
jtm/article/24/6/tay043/5232647
• Cochrane review on first aid for jellyfish stings: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/
doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009688.pub2/full
• American Heart Association guidelines for the treatment of jellyfish stings: https://
www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.023080
• American Red Cross guidelines for the treatment of jellyfish stings: https://
www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/
jellyfish-first-aid.pdf