Portuguese Man O' War [Physalia]

Description

Physalia is the sole genus within the family Physaliidae, known for its species such as the Portuguese Man O' War (Physalia physalis). These are not single organisms, but rather colonial siphonophores composed of many specialized individuals (zooids) that are highly integrated to function together. The most noticeable part of a Physalia individual is its gas-filled bladder, or pneumatophore, which sits above the water and acts as a sail. Beneath the pneumatophore dangle long, venomous tentacles that can deliver painful stings to humans and are used to capture prey such as small fish and planktonic organisms. Despite their appearance, they are not true jellyfish but belong to the order Siphonophorae. Physalia species are pelagic, living on the surface of the open ocean, and are driven by the wind and ocean currents.

Species

Pacific Man O' War [Physalia utriculus]

View Details

Taxonomy