Captivating image of a Portuguese Man-of-War hunting prey off the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa (00016714)
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Description: The Portuguese Man-of-War, also known as the Blue bottle or Physalia utriculus, is a fascinating marine creature with a dangerous side. This spectacular jellyfish species consists of a colony of polyps working together to survive. Its striking blue gas bladder serves as a warning of the deadly threat posed by its tentacles, which can reach up to 10 meters in length and are equipped with up to 1000 cnidocytes per centimeter. When prey is captured, the tentacles rhythmically draw it towards the mouth opening, where the venom mixture targets nerve cells, potentially leading to respiratory and cardiac failure. An unsuspecting swimmer off the coast of Karachi narrowly escaped death after encountering the tentacles of a Portuguese Man-of-War. Immediate medical attention is crucial in case of injury from this perilous jellyfish.
Location: Western Cape, Kueste Gansbaai, South Africa
Date of Capture: 14.08.2005