Impressive capture of a menacing Portuguese Man-of-War on the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa (00016668)
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Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as Blue bottle or Physalia utriculus, is a dangerous species of hydrozoan that is driven by the wind to the coast of Gansbaai in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This menacing creature is composed of numerous polyps, each with specific functions. The striking, bluish shimmering gas bladder is a warning sign for the deadly tentacles, which can reach up to 10 meters in length and possess over a thousand cnidocytes per centimeter. The venom of these jellyfish acts directly on nerve cells, leading to muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and even cardiac arrest. Immediate medical attention is crucial in case of contact with the tentacles, as illustrated by a harrowing incident off the coast of Karachi, Pakistan.
Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa
Date of Capture: 17.08.2005