| Malo kingi | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Cubozoa |
| Order: | Carybdeida |
| Family: | Carukiidae |
| Genus: | Malo |
| Species: | M. kingi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Malo kingi Gershwin, 2007
| |
Malo kingi or the common kingslayer is a species of Irukandji jellyfish. It was first described to science in 2007, and is one of four species in the genus Malo.[1] It has one of the world's most potent venoms, even though it is no bigger than a human thumbnail.[2] As an Irukandji, it can cause Irukandji syndrome, characterized by severe pain, vomiting, and rapid rise in blood pressure.
It is named after victim Robert King, a tourist from the United States swimming off Port Douglas, Queensland,[3] who died from its sting.
- ^ Gershwin, L. (2007). Malo kingi: A new species of Irukandji jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida), possibly lethal to humans, from Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 1659 55-68.
- ^ Malo kingi. Science Channel.
- ^ "Killer jelly named after victim". Cairns Post. February 26, 2008. Archived from the original on May 29, 2013.