‘Morbakka fenneri’ jellyfish found in Lake Macquarie

Central Coast Council and Lake Macquarie City are warning their communities to be alert to the possible presence of ‘Morbakka fenneri’ jellyfish in Lake Macquarie following the recent discovery of one of the species in the southern part of the waterway.

The Morbakka is a species of Irukandji jellyfish that is more common to the Moreton Bay area but has been found between Port Douglas and Sydney. The jellyfish found in Lake Macquarie was discovered among mangroves in Mannering Bay by two marine researchers from the Australian Museum who were conducting a study on an unrelated jellyfish.

A Morbakka sting can cause symptoms of Irukandji syndrome, which may include nausea, vomiting, severe lower back pain, breathing difficulties, profuse sweating, severe cramps and spasms. The incidence of stings is rare, and symptoms are typically mild, but some cases have required hospitalisation.

Central Coast Council Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said it was important for the community to be aware of the possible presence of Morbakka in the lake.

“With only one reported sighting across a large body of water, the risk appears to be low but residents should be aware of the possibility of encountering the jellyfish and know how to respond in the event of a sting,” Mr Dowling said.

“The best immediate treatment is liberal application of vinegar, which will neutralise the sting and prevent further envenomation. Applying hot or cold water is not recommended, nor is rubbing or wiping the area, as this can exacerbate the severity of the sting. A cold pack can be applied after the area has been treated with vinegar.”

Experts advise that an ambulance should be called, or medical assistance sought, if a sting victim shows any of the following symptoms: severe lower back pain, nausea or vomiting, breathing difficulties or spasms.

Morbakka fenneri has a transparent box-shaped bell with one tentacle in each corner. The bell can be six to 18 centimetres wide with four ribbon-shaped tentacles up to one metre long. They tend to swim near the waterway bottom but can be attracted to lights at night.

The Councils have sought advice from, and will continue to work with, experts from the CSIRO and Australian Museum, including Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, who is the foremost authority on the species.

More information read the Frequently Asked Questions

Photo available on request and interviews with researcher from the Australian Museum Research Institute, Dr Lisa Gershwin.

ENDS

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About the Morbakka Fenneri Jelly Fish

In May 2018, Lake Macquarie City Council was alerted to the discovery of a Morbakka fenneri jellyfish in southern Lake Macquarie, near the boundary of the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Local Government Areas. The discovery was made by two marine researchers from the Australian Museum who were conducting a study on unrelated jellyfish species.

The Morbakka jellyfish is a type of Irukandji jellyfish. It is more common around Moreton Bay but has been found between Port Douglas and Sydney. It is usually found in isolation rather than swarms.

While a sting from the Morbakka fenneri can cause Irukandji syndrome, it is a different jellyfish to the smaller and more venomous species that inhabits the northern waters of Australia. Symptoms of a Morbakka sting are typically mild but will sometimes require hospitalisation.

What does Morbakka fenneri look like?

It has a transparent box-shaped bell with one tentacle in each corner. The bell can be six to 18 centimetres wide with four ribbon-shaped tentacles up to one metre long.

What are the symptoms of a Morbakka sting?

The sting of a Morbakka jellyfish can cause Irukandji syndrome – a collection of symptoms that include:

• severe lower back pain;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• breathing difficulties;
• profuse sweating;
• severe cramps and spasms; and
• a feeling of impending doom.

How should a Morbakka sting be treated?

Irukandji syndrome is potentially serious so it is recommended that you, or someone with you, immediately call 000 in the event of a sting.

A sting should be ideally doused liberally with vinegar (any variety), which will neutralise the sting and prevent further envenomation. Applying hot or cold water on the sting site is not recommended, as this can exacerbate the severity of the sting. An ice pack can be used to provide pain relief after the area has been treated with vinegar.

Lower back pain is characteristic of the syndrome and often signals the onset of more severe symptoms.

Seeking medical assistance is advised, even if symptoms appear to be mild.

More information

http://www.stingeradvisor.com/morbakka.htm 

http://lifesaving.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Marine-Stinger-Fact-Sheets-Morbakka.pdf 

https://thejellyfishapp.com/