Captivating Image of a Portuguese Man-of-War in Coastal Waters (00016702)
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Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as Blue bottle or Physalia utriculus, is an impressive yet dangerous creature. This jellyfish species consists of a colony of polyps working together for survival. Its striking blue shimmering gas bladder serves as a warning of the extremely long and hazardous tentacles, which can reach up to 10 meters in length and are equipped with up to 1000 cnidocytes per centimeter. The venom of the Portuguese Man-of-War acts directly on nerve cells, leading to muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and potentially death. A touch from its tentacles requires immediate medical assistance. This image captures the beauty and peril of the Portuguese Man-of-War.
Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa
Date of Capture: 14.08.2005