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Nyad was, however, stung by a box jellyfish on her forearm and neck, causing severe respiratory distress and putting paid to her third attempt.

In the dappled sunlit waters of Caribbean mangrove forests, tiny box jellyfish bob in and out of the shade.

On Friday, researchers published a report in the journal Current Biology indicating that the box jellyfish species Tripedalia cystophora have the ability to learn.

Because box jellyfish diverged from our part of the animal kingdom long ago, understanding their cognitive abilities could help scientists trace the evolution of learning.

According to Dr. Gold, Burgessomedusa’s bell-like shape is reminiscent of modern box jellyfish, which are potent predators that pack a deadly sting.