The Graceful Blue Bottle and its Life-Threatening Tentacles (00016664)
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Description: The Blue Bottle (Physalia utriculus) is a fascinating yet incredibly dangerous marine creature. This Portuguese man-of-war is composed of a colony of polyps, each with specific roles to play. Once the striking, bluish gas bladder becomes visible, extreme caution is advised. The tentacles of the Blue Bottle can reach lengths of up to 10 meters and are equipped with up to 1000 cnidocytes per square centimeter. The venom of this jellyfish species acts directly on nerve cells, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Immediate medical attention is crucial in case of a Portuguese man-of-war sting.
Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa
Date of Capture: 17.08.2005