Explore the Fascinating World of the Portuguese Man-of-War (00016720)

❮ Fascinating Portuguese Man-of-War in the Deep Blue Ocean ❯
▶

Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as the Blue bottle or Physalia utriculus, is a fascinating marine creature. With its striking blue gas bladder and dangerous tentacles that can reach up to 10 meters in length, caution is advised. The polyp colony of this colonial organism serves various functions and captures prey with up to 1000 cnidocytes per centimeter. Contact with its tentacles can lead to serious health issues, such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. A swimmer in Karachi, Pakistan, barely survived after an encounter with a Portuguese Man-of-War. Prompt medical assistance is essential in case of an injury caused by this captivating yet perilous creature.

Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa

Date of Capture: 14.08.2005