Coral Reef World

Detailed explanation of various creatures in the coral reef

Dangerous fish such as the geography cone and flagtail surgeonfish are introduced by comparing living specimens and models of them. A video program on the coral reef is also available.

Dangerous marine life

There are times when you unexpectedly encounter dangerous creatures in the ocean. Nobody wants to run into them, but do you know how to deal with them when you do? Don’t panic and deal with them properly.

Box jellyfish

This jellyfish lives in the shallows at a depth of about 50 meters throughout almost all of Okinawa and is hard to notice since their bell is translucent.

They are born between May and October, and the number of accidents increases when they grow bigger, mainly from July through September. A sting can be quite painful, and some people may even go into shock. Some fatal accidents have been reported in Okinawa.Their tentacles have many suckers with poisonous needles called cnidocytes filled with venom. If the tentacles make contact, the cnidocyte and poison are pumped into the skin.

How to avoid being stung by a jellyfish

Stay inside the net that guards against jellyfish

Many Okinawan beaches set nets to keep jellyfish out. Make sure to stay inside the net as much as possible.

Check for warnings of jellyfish and other dangerous creatures

Check for warnings of jellyfish and other dangerous creatures before getting into the water. Make sure to consult the bulletin board or the lifeguard in advance.

Cover as much of your body as possible

Try to wear a wetsuit or long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings and cover as much of your body as possible when you go into water lacking a jellyfish net. This will decrease the risk of injury when stung.
Although this will not completely prevent an accident, it will minimize the degree of injury since the poisonous needles will not reach the skin.

List of dangerous marine life and a map of beaches with jellyfish nets

If you do not touch dangerous creatures, they will not sting you. When you find beautiful fish swimming in the water, don’t touch them recklessly. It’s important to know about dangerous marine creatures when going to the beach.

There are many other dangerous creatures in the ocean besides jellyfish. The PDF below lists dangerous marine life and shows what to do in case of emergency. (Source: Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, 2014)

List of dangerous marine life and a map of beaches with jellyfish nets

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