Fascinating Portuguese Man-of-War: Beauty Meets Danger (00016673)

Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as Blue bottle or Physalia utriculus, is a fascinating creature that combines beauty with extreme danger. This colonial organism consists of multiple polyps with various functions. Its striking blueish gas-filled float serves as a warning of the up to 10-meter-long tentacles armed with up to 1000 cnidocytes per centimeter. The venom of the Portuguese Man-of-War triggers muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and even cardiac arrest. Discover more about this unique creature and the life-threatening risks it poses.

Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa

Date of Capture: 17.08.2005