There are different types of jellyfish around the world, some more dangerous than others. most dangerous jellyfish in the world It is known as the Portuguese man-of-war, although technically it is not a jellyfish. Its scientific name is Physalia physalis and is one of the deadliest organisms in the ocean due to its potent venom and long, stinging cells. This article will explain everything about this dangerous creature, its characteristics, dangers and biology.
The most dangerous jellyfish in the world
Contrary to what many think, the Portuguese caravel This is not a true jellyfish. It is actually a siphonophore, which is a type of colonial organism. This means that it is not a single individual, but rather a colony of smaller organisms called polyps that work together to perform different life functions such as moving, feeding, and reproducing.
Physalia physalis It is a rare and uncommon species on the beaches., although its arrival on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts has become more frequent in recent years due to climate change and changes in sea currents. Its dangerousness is unquestionable: its venom can cause significant damage to humans, from intense pain to death in extreme cases, particularly in allergic people or children.
Key features
The Portuguese man-of-war is extremely peculiar. It has a striking morphology that is unique to its species. Its main characteristics are described below:
- Float: The part that remains visible on the surface is a purple, pink or blue bladder, which is filled with gas and acts as a float that gives it its characteristic 'sailboat' shape. This float can reach sizes of up to 30 cm in length.
- tentacles: The tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war are its most feared feature. They can reach over 10 metres in length and release powerful toxins through stinging cells called cnidocytes. Some tentacles can reach up to 50 metres underwater.
- Organized colony: This organism is a colony with different specialized polyps that perform different functions: digestion, defense, prey capture and reproduction.
- Reproduction: Reproduction is carried out by means of gametes, released by the polyps that form the colony. After fertilization, the mother polyp is responsible for keeping the colony afloat and ensuring its survival.
- Distribution: It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. However, sightings have been recorded in more temperate areas, such as the Spanish coasts, particularly during the winter months.
Portuguese Man-of-War stings
La sting of the Portuguese man-of-war It is extremely painful and immediate. The tentacles are equipped with millions of cnidocytes (stinging cells), which activate a filament to inject the venom as soon as it detects a prey or threat. This venom has effects neurotoxic, cardiotoxic and cytotoxic, causing anything from stinging and burning to a life-threatening reaction.
Among the most common symptoms, depending on the severity of the bite, the following may occur:
- Sharp pain in the area of the bite.
- Skin rashes and redness.
- Nausea, vomiting, weakness.
- Anaphylactic shock in severe cases, which can be fatal.
What to do if you get stung by a Portuguese man-of-war:
- Immediately remove the affected person from the water.
- Wash the affected area with salt water or vinegar, without rubbing to avoid releasing additional poison.
- Apply heat to the bite, avoiding cold or fresh water that can make the situation worse.
- Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen or persist.
Distribution, habitat and curiosities
The Portuguese man-of-war inhabits mainly tropical and subtropical regions from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Although it is not common to see them in temperate zones, in recent years they have been reported to appear on the coasts of the Mediterranean and Spain, due to factors such as rising water temperatures and variations in currents.
Curiously, the caravel has few predatorsHowever, organisms such as sea turtles and the slug Glaucus atlanticus are immune to its toxins and feed on them. In addition, the fish Nomeus gronovii has developed partial resistance to the man-of-war venom and lives among its tentacles.
This species also has the ability to 'deflate' its bladder when it detects a threat, sinking into the water to avoid being captured by predators.
The Portuguese man-of-war is one of the most fascinating and dangerous creatures in the oceans. Despite its fragile appearance, its venom is more potent than that of many other marine species. Knowing how to identify it and avoiding direct contact is key to preventing accidents on the beach.