Name/s: Box jellyfish
Scientific name: Copula sivickisi
Class: Cubozoa
Description: This box jellyfish is very small as it only grows to around 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter. It has a box shaped bell that is rimmed with bright orange, with the females having dotted white leaf-like shapes around the bell while males have orange dome shapes near the tip of the bell. When the female matures, she gains orange-brown patterns along the edge of the bell. 1
Habitat: comes out at night only
Threat: Not dangerous to humans (mild sting) 2
Fun fact: Unlike the majority of sea jellies spawn into the water, the Sivickis’ box jelly performs a courtship ritual known as the “wedding dance” where the male attaches his tentacles to the female and clings to her as he draws her in to impregnate her. 3
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