Physalia Physalis

– Portogues Man o’War – 

Physalia physalis_F

Description:

The Portuguese man o’war reaches lengths of up to 2 m, yet its tentacles may be up to 50 m in length. It is in fact a clonal colony rather than a single individual and is classified as a siphonophore (a group related to jellyfish) and not as a true jellyfish. It can be recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet or pink and rises slightly above the water line.

Behaviour:

Portuguese man o’wars are found floating in warm waters throughout the world’s oceans. They have no independent means of propulsion and either drift on the currents or catch the wind with their pneumatophores (air sacs). To avoid threats on the surface, they can deflate their air bags and briefly submerge. They use a powerful sting to paralyse their prey.

Habitat:

Ocean surface in the tropical and sub-tropical areas.

Distribution:

Portuguese man o’wars can be found in every ocean. The drift to some regions carried by wind and currents.

Food:

Small fish and crustaceans.