The Portuguese man o' war, scientifically known as Physalia physalis, is a cnidarian that is often confused with jellyfish due to its floating appearance. Its body consists of a gas-filled bubble called a pneumatophore, which resembles a jellyfish-like umbrella. Below it hang long tentacles equipped with stinging cells for defense and catching prey. The Portuguese man o' war is characterized by its ability to move with the help of wind and surface currents.
Its coloring is just as striking: it often appears in a shimmering blue or violet, which not only protects it from sunlight, but also effectively camouflages predators. It owes its name to its sail-shaped structure, which is reminiscent of a galley - a historical sailing ship. Despite its supposed fragility, the Portuguese man o' war can stretch its tentacles to impressive lengths when necessary, thus paralyzing its prey.
It is better not to bathe and under no circumstances to touch the tentacles.
Translated by Google •
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