While on an exploration mission aimed at determining the reason for Irukandji syndrome, Barnes allowed himself, a lifeguard, and his 9-year-old son to be stung by the jellyfish.

[3] The Irukandji syndrome was first discovered after a group of swimmers were stung in the open water near North Queensland, Australia.

Pethidine is avoided due to the toxic metabolite norpethidine because of the high amounts needed to achieve pain relief.

The nematocysts are capable of producing venom that changes composition as C. barnesi matures to adulthood and prey changes from invertebrates (zooplankton and crustaceans) to vertebrates.

[4] Cubozoans follow a life cycle that alternates between young benthic sessile polyps and adult motile pelagic medusae.