St. Augustine — The Portuguese man o’ war, often referred to as a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore, a species closely related to jellyfish.
Described as unusual, the almost pretty siphonophore has four specialized parts with each being responsible for a specific task, such as floating, capturing prey, feeding, and reproduction. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, Portuguese men o’ war are propelled by winds and ocean currents. They float - not swim - in numbers or colonies of 1,000 and higher.
According to Maggie Boselowitz, a Park Services Specialist at Anastasia State Park, these sea creatures work together in “zoids.”
“They’re best described as a bunch of different clones working together as a colony,” she said. “One will capture food, one is in charge of floating, feeding, things as such. "
Named for resembling an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail, the Portuguese man o’ war is earmarked by an oblong, balloon-shaped “air-packed” float. Floats can be dark blue, violet, or pink and can peak six inches above the waterline. Strands of tentacles and polyps, spanning between 30 feet to 100 in length, are located beneath the balloon float.
Words of caution. The tentacles sting. And the sting is painful. Called stinging nematocysts, these microscopic capsules are filled with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. You may not see them as they are located below - in the water’s darker shades - the balloon topped creature. While not fatal to humans, these stingers can cause painful welts on exposed skin. And - oddly enough- these floating creature can sting weeks after washing up on the shore. Experts advise beachgoers not to touch them with your hands, even if they look dead. Move them with an object long enough to avoid skin contact.
“Their sting is very, very painful,” continued Boselowitz. “Much more painful than your classic boxed jellyfish.”
While ‘tis the season to see the many Portuguese man o’ war lining the coastlines, Boselowitz admits that the recent strong offshore winds have led to what appears to be so many “blown up” on shore. But again, she advises everyone not to touch them.
“They’re pretty gnarly,” she continued. “Keep in mind that you can see the air-sac which doesn’t get very large. But depending upon the creatures developmental stage, the tentacles can get up to 100 feet.”
Boselowitz could not explain the reason for their colors, but she did say that those washed upon the shores simply became “stuck.” And while the colorful pop ups feed off sea creatures circling on top of the water, they are a turtles favorite snack.
“Sea Turtles love Man o Wars,” she concluded. “They eat all kinds of jellyfish, especially Leatherbacks, Loggerheads and Green Turtles. That’s why balloons and plastic bags are of high concern because they look similar to jellyfish and siphonophores.”
Photograph credits - Nikki Brubaker and Tara Lynn.
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