Physaliidae [Physaliidae]

Description

The Physaliidae family is known for the Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis), a notorious species. Unlike a true jellyfish, the Portuguese man o' war is a siphonophore, a colonial organism made up of specialized individual animals (zooids) that are highly integrated to the extent that they cannot survive independently. These organisms are notorious for their painful stings, which can be dangerous to humans. Physaliidae are easily recognized by their gas-filled, floating bladder, which resembles a sail.

Genera

Taxonomy