The bluish shimmering gas bladder filled with carbon dioxide and nitrogen of the Blue bottle (Physalia utriculus) provides buoyancy and is effectively used as a sail. (00016690)

❮ Beautiful, but very poisonous - Blue bottle ❯
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Description: The Blue bottle (Physalia utriculus) belongs to the genus of Portuguese man o' war. Each Blue bottle consists of a variety of polyps with different functions. The striking, bluish shimmering gas bladder is a warning sign for its potent venom. The tentacles can reach up to 10 meters in length and are extremely dangerous. With up to 1000 nematocysts per cm, they are highly effective predators in the sea. The venom mixture causes muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. Direct contact with the tentacles can be life-threatening. Explore the dangers of the Blue bottle in this captivating stock photography.

Location: Western Cape, Küste Gansbaai, South Africa

Date of Capture: 17.08.2005