A trapped fish and the life-threatening encounter with the Portuguese Man-of-War off the South African coast (00016689)
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Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as Physalia utriculus, is a highly venomous species of hydrozoan found off the South African coast. With tentacles reaching up to 10 meters long and thousands of nematocysts per centimeter, it poses a deadly threat to small fish in its habitat. A swimmer who encounters its tentacles risks respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Immediate medical attention is essential to save lives.
Location: Western Cape, Küste Gansbaai, South Africa
Date of Capture: 17.08.2005