The first Irukandji jellyfish to be bred in captivity have been born in Townsville, Australia. ‘Irukandji syndrome' is a painful and debilitating set of symptoms that has caused the deaths of at least two people on the Great Barrier Reef. Up to seven species of jellyfish found in northern Australian waters are thought to be responsible for the syndrome, but only one, Carukia barnesi , is a proven culprit. 
According to <<>> Ms Lisa-ann Gershwin, from <<>> and the <<>>, “Being able to breed Carukia barnesi jellyfish is a giant step forward for Irukandji research. Specimens raised in captivity will be shared with researchers to develop an anti-venom, study the jellyfish toxins for pharmaceutical benefits, and work on rapid diagnostic techniques for Irukandji stings.”
Ms Heather Walling, a research officer at James Cook University, nurtured jellyfish caught by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) lifeguards at Palm Cove near Cairns at the beginning of February. “Several of the jellyfish have spawned, and seem to have grown through a worm-like intermediate stage. They have now settled to become polyps,” she said. “This is the first major hurdle. Hopefully they will survive the polyp stage and soon change into tiny jellyfish.”