Fascinating Blue Bottle (Physalia utriculus) drifting in shallow waters off the coast of South Africa (00016724)

Description: The Blue Bottle (Physalia utriculus) is a fascinating marine creature with a multitude of polyps working together in a complex structure. Its bluish shimmering gas bladder serves as a warning signal for the extreme caution required. The tentacles of this Portuguese man-of-war can reach up to 10 meters in length and are extremely dangerous, with up to 1000 cnidocytes per centimeter. Its venom causes muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. Learn more about this unique organism and the precautions to be taken when encountering it.

Location: Western Cape, Küste Gansbaai, South Africa

Date of Capture: 14.08.2005