Global range guide · Last reviewed 22 August 2026
Box jellyfish occur in tropical, subtropical and some temperate marine waters around the world. Their distribution is a patchwork of species and habitats—not one continuous “box jellyfish zone.” The most dangerous large species are concentrated mainly in the Indo-Pacific, while other cubozoans occur in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and eastern Pacific.
Explore by region
| Region | Examples | Local guide |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Australia | Chironex fleckeri, Irukandji-associated species | Queensland · Northern Territory · Western Australia |
| Western Pacific | Chironex yamaguchii and other evolving records | Philippines |
| Hawaii | Alatina alata and other cubozoans | Hawaii |
| Thailand | Multi- and single-tentacled tropical box jellyfish | Thailand |
| Western Atlantic | Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, Carybdea xaymacana, Alatina | Florida and Caribbean |
| Mediterranean | Carybdea marsupialis, Copula lucentia | Species directory |
Habitats they use
Shallow beaches and estuaries
Large Chironex species and some relatives use warm, sheltered coastal water, including areas influenced by creeks and estuaries.
Mangrove lagoons
Small visual specialists such as Tripedalia cystophora occupy structured mangrove habitats.
Open ocean and reef edges
Alatina species can spend much of their time offshore and move near shore for reproductive aggregations.
Do they live in fresh water?
Cubozoans are marine animals. Some tolerate estuarine salinity and may travel into tidal creeks or river mouths, but that is not the same as living in landlocked freshwater lakes and rivers.
Why the map keeps changing
New species are still described, and DNA can separate visually similar populations. Verified records need an accepted name, reliable locality and preferably a specimen or molecular evidence. Climate-related range claims also require long-term data that separate warming from currents, sampling effort and misidentification.
Sources
Review and corrections
See an error or outdated source? Read our corrections process. Safety information is educational and does not replace local emergency services or clinical advice.
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