Rare Box Jellyfish Spotted in Gulf of Eilat

Israel's Nature and Parks Authority said a few rare Alatina grandis box jellyfish were documented recently in the Gulf of Eilat, one of Israel's richest marine habitats. The authority stressed that this is a localized sighting, not a swarm, and that there is no reason to avoid swimming, while bathers should stay alert, avoid contact and report encounters to the hotline. Scientists identified the species through DNA and morphology, and one specimen was collected for research to improve knowledge of its distribution. The sting may be painful and potentially dangerous, but officials said this is not the deadly Australian sea wasp often associated with box jellyfish.