Blue boat jellyfish. What is poisonous physalia (Portuguese man-of-war)? Interesting information about the Portuguese boat

Poisonous physalia. Photo: Shutterstock.com

In Thailand, on the island of Phuket, three popular beaches were closed for swimming - Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Layan. The reason for the emergency measure was the invasion of poisonous physalia, the bite of which is dangerous for humans.

Physalia, or, as it is also called, portuguese boat - close relative jellyfish, but it's not a real jellyfish. Physalia belong to very primitive invertebrate organisms - siphonophores. In fact, this is a floating colony, consisting of many polyps that perform a specific role. Some get food, others process it, others are responsible for reproduction, and fourth for protection. All polyps together are a whole organism.

The most common type of physalia is the Portuguese man-of-war. It got its name because of its bright colors and shape, reminiscent of the sail of a medieval Portuguese ship. From the swim bladder filled with gas, short digestive organs- gastrozoids. Behind them are spirally...

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An amazingly beautiful creation of nature - the Portuguese boat (physalia) - is as dangerous as it is attractive. In order not to get burned, it is better to admire them from a distance.

And, one might say, there is something to admire: above the surface of the water, the “sail” gently silvers and shimmers with blue, purple and purple, similar to those that adorned medieval ships. Its top, crest, is bright red, and the lower part, from which long, sometimes up to 30 meters, trapping tentacles extend, is blue.

Portuguese boat - jellyfish or not?

It must be said that, although this creature is a close relative of jellyfish, it still does not apply to those. The Portuguese man-of-war is a siphonophore, a primitive invertebrate organism. It is a colony of four types of polyps coexisting together. Each of them performs the function assigned to it.

Thanks to the first polyp - a gas bubble, the beauty of which we admire, the Portuguese boat keeps afloat and can ...

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The Portuguese boat got its name from the bright multi-colored swim bladder, reminiscent of the sail of a medieval Portuguese ship. It is difficult to see it, and there is no desire to look closely at the water, especially if you swim in a completely peaceful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hotel beach. Although it is quite bright, even somewhat puffy: the lower part of the bubble is blue, the top is a bright red crest, and it all shimmers with purple colors, and its swim bladder, about 30 centimeters in size, looks like a rubber cap.

In any case, if you feel a sharp pain, like from a whip or electric shock, you can safely scream. Firstly, from surprise, and secondly, you may urgently need help. The poison of the physalia is very close in its action to the poison of the cobra. The introduction of even a small dose under the skin of laboratory animals ended tragically for them. If you are allergic, then help should be immediate, if not, then you still need to be prepared for some unpleasant ...

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Creatures with such a romantic name, close relatives of jellyfish, are officially referred to in the scientific world as “physalia siphonophora”. If only a few are poisonous among jellyfish, then all physalia are poisonous, without exception.

For humans, physalia poison is not fatal, but the consequences can be extremely unpleasant. Swelling, numbness, burning, and even short-term paralysis if the poisonous tentacle touches the spine. It's very dangerous in the water. But physalia are no less dangerous on land. During a storm, the sea throws hundreds of Portuguese ships ashore, thin tentacles dry up instantly and are carried by the wind. Physalium poison is very persistent and does not lose its properties either when dried or frozen. If a dried tentacle comes into contact with the skin, irritation or an allergic reaction is provided. That is why swimming or visiting the beach is prohibited in the resort areas if floating physalia were seen nearby.

Outwardly, Portuguese boats are very beautiful. They look like a balloon with a comb floating in the water, inflated ...

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Portuguese warship, physalia, bluebottle jellyfish - most famous titles this jellyfish. Dwells in warm waters(Florida, Cuba, Mediterranean Sea, Australia, Japan). Often the Gulf Stream brings them to the shores of England and France. When they accumulate off the coast of England and France or, for example, near the beaches of Florida, television, radio and the press warn the population of the danger.

Jellyfish are poisonous even when washed ashore. The shoots reach a length of up to 10 meters (which is like a thread in the sand).
The "Portuguese boat" got its name from the multi-colored swim bladder, which is shaped like the sail of a medieval Portuguese sailing ship. The lower part of the bubble is blue, and the upper one is bright red, while the bubble constantly shimmers with purple colors. The bell of this jellyfish shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow from blue to purple, similar to a rubber cap.

Beauty,...

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What would you think if, swimming in the sea, you saw a very strange “composition” consisting of processes of incomprehensible length and a very bright body, resembling a bubble on the surface of the water. It’s hard to guess right away what kind of miracle is in front of you - maybe it’s a flower, or maybe such an unusual fish?

It doesn’t look like a fish, and it doesn’t look like an animal either, but you need to carefully approach the creature you are looking for, and it’s better to avoid contact with it altogether. Because a bright and beautiful bubble is just a trick and a trap of the Portuguese boat - the most dangerous poisonous creature on the planet ...

Portuguese boat. Jellyfish or invertebrate? Photos and instructions for survival.

Appearance and dimensions

What is a Portuguese boat and why does it take special pleasure to poison its victims - fish and others marine life? Many people think that these are the most dangerous jellyfish, but this is not entirely true. Outwardly resembling a jellyfish, the Portuguese boat differs from it and is considered ...

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PHYSALIA'S LIFESTYLE

Physalia (see photo) often swim in warm seas in large groups, often numbering several thousand jellyfish. The bubble of the jellyfish body, transparent and shining in the sun, rises about 15 cm above the water and looks like a small sail. It is surprising that the jellyfish is able to move even against the wind, without turning off the chosen path. The physalia jellyfish is usually found close to the coast, but in the warm season it willingly moves with the flow in the direction of the earth's poles. Powerful winds blowing from the sea towards the coast can throw this jellyfish onto land.

BREEDING OF THE PORTUGUESE BOAT

It is not known for certain how the Physalia jellyfish reproduces. All that scientists have found out is that physalia reproduces asexually and there are polyps in the colonies that are responsible for reproduction. It is they who establish new colonies.

Since jellyfish have the ability to reproduce without interruption, ...

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Many at least once in their lives, but faced with a jellyfish. This meeting turned out to be not pleasant for everyone, since some species sting on contact with the skin, that is, they leave burns, and often very painful. Medusa "Portuguese boat", among other things, is also famous for this.

A little about jellyfish

Probably most of the people one way or another faced with these organisms. They are completely unusual and bewitching in the water, but on land they no longer look so impressive. We are talking about jellyfish - the stage of development of some organisms. They may look very different, but they also have something in common, so that even those who see them for the first time can recognize them quite easily: they are often almost transparent and resemble a dome or parachute in shape.

There is a huge variety of jellyfish living in different parts planets, so that they can be encountered both on southern resort, as well as in northern latitudes. Usually most of them are not too dangerous, although such proximity to ...

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The Portuguese boat (lat. Physalia physalis) is a species of colonial hydroid from the siphonophore order, the colony of which consists of polypoid and medusoid individuals.

This intestinal creature is often called a jellyfish, but the Portuguese boat is not a jellyfish, but a siphonophore - a colony of intestinal animals. The composition of such a colony includes polypoid and medusoid individuals living as a single harmonious organism. Portuguese boats are very common marine animals - they can be found in almost all warm-water areas of the oceans and seas - from the latitudes of the Japanese Islands to Australia and New Zealand. Sometimes the winds drive such masses of these intestinal-cavity organisms to the shore that it seems that the coastal waters are covered with colored jelly.

The dome of the Portuguese ships is very beautiful, and usually shimmers with blue-lilac colors with purple-red tints. Its length along the "body" can reach 20-25 cm, but the usual ...

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Initially, Portuguese boats could only be found in the waters of the Gulf Stream, as well as in the tropics of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. But since 1989, this flotilla has also drifted into the Mediterranean. Scientists believe that the main reasons for their resettlement were global warming and the disappearance of food due to the large volumes of fish caught.

Portuguese boat plows the ocean

tentacles

The Portuguese boat fully justifies its name, which it received back in the 15th century in honor of the flotilla of Henry the Navigator. Its upper part, which is a large transparent bubble 15-20 cm long, is very similar to the stern of a ship. Moves...

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And finally, about poisonous hydroids - physalia, which received the name "Portuguese boat" for their appearance. This animal belongs to the lower intestinal cavities, which have a highly developed poisonous apparatus for attack and defense. They live in tropical regions Pacific Ocean. Animals easily stay in the water due to the gas-filled swim bladder, which serves as a hydrostatic apparatus for the physalia.

Physalia (Physalia physalis) - poisonous jellyfish living in tropical waters

In some physalia, the swim bladder protrudes above the surface of the water, acting as a sail. From the hydrostatic apparatus (pneumatophore), a special trunk goes down, to which the remaining individuals of the colony are attached, their number can reach several hundred. In short, physalia are not a separate organism. Physalia belong to the colonial forms. Numerous tentacles of physalia are equipped with a huge number of stinging cells containing a poisonous secret. The tentacles are almost...

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Physalia

» Dangerous animals » Physalia

Physalia ( Latin name Physalia) is a representative of the Physalidae family, the Pneumatophoridae group, the siphonophore order. In nature, physalia live in an extensive colony, in which, along with 100-250 physalia, many polyps also live. Found in large numbers in the open sea and floating on the surface of the water, they are a very beautiful sight.

signs

The most common form of physalia is the shape of a large bubble. Its diameter can reach 30 centimeters in length. The bubble is filled with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with a minimum oxygen content. In the event of a storm, this helps the physalia quickly get rid of the contents of the bubble and go to the bottom.

The upper part of the bubble is decorated with a comb. The crest allows the physalia to easily maneuver underwater. By appearance it resembles the sail of a medieval Portuguese ship. Hence its second name "Portuguese warship" was formed.

In nature, physalia is very ...

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In calm windless weather sea ​​water so clear that it can be seen to a great depth. At such a time, one can see how some strange, almost transparent creatures flicker in its thickness, like shadows. In appearance, they resemble a bell or an umbrella. These are jellyfish, which received their terrible name for a reason.

IN ancient Greek mythology Medusa (snake-haired maiden) was named one of the Gorgon sisters, winged monsters capable of turning living creatures into stone with their eyes. Medusa had snakes on her head instead of hair.

People gave such a terrible name to the fragile inhabitants of the depths, not only because tentacles fluttering along the edges of their bodies, resembling curving reptiles, but also because with their poison they can inflict a defeat on a person, sometimes leading to death.

The poisonous apparatus in all representatives of the intestinal cavity consists of stinging capsules - nematocysts, located mainly on their tentacles in the outer layer. From the outer surface of the stinging...

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The Portuguese boat is not just a beautiful creation of nature. This is a real killer jellyfish that floats on the surface of the water with a transparent bubble filled with gas.

The Portuguese boat consists of two parts: a large transparent bubble filled with gas in the upper part of the body and tentacles, the length of which can reach 30 m. The poison is contained in the stinging cells of the tentacles. The bubble is usually colored blue, purple or lilac.

Spanish tourism is under threat due to the entry into the Mediterranean Sea of ​​the dangerous coelenterates - the poisonous Portuguese boat Physalia physalis. In common parlance, it is called the "killer jellyfish", although it is more correct to attribute it to the siphonophores, a detachment of pelagic cnidarians from the hydroid class.

"Portuguese boat" (lat. Physalia physalis) (English Portuguese man-on-war or Caravela portuguesa)

Initially, Portuguese boats could only be found in the waters ...

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Sometimes Portuguese boats get into the Gulf Stream and are carried by this current to the English Channel. When they accumulate off the coast of England and France or, for example, near the beaches of Florida, television, radio and the press warn the population of the danger.

The "Portuguese boat" is not even one jellyfish, but a colony of one or two hundred jellyfish and polyps. The colonies of the boat look like unusually elegant balls, often drifting across the surface of the ocean in whole "flotillas". From time to time, the boat dips the float into the water so that the membrane does not dry out.
(www.examen.ru)
The poison of the physalia is very close in its action to the poison of the cobra. The introduction of even a small dose under the skin of laboratory animals ended tragically for them. This poison is unusually resistant to drying and freezing, and the tentacles of the siphonophore, which had lain for six (!) years in the refrigerator, perfectly retained their deadly properties.
(old.vesti.ru)
Despite the toxicity of physalia, some sea ​​turtles eat them in huge quantities. People, of course, do not eat physalia, but they also find use for them. Farmers in Guadeloupe (Caribbean) and Colombia use the dried tentacles of physalis as poison for rats.
(www.examen.ru)
... there is a representative of the sea kingdom, to whom physalia is not only not an enemy, but, on the contrary, a necessary companion (although friendship is understood here in a very peculiar way). This is the tremoctopus violaceus octopus. He calmly cuts off the poisonous threads of the "Portuguese boat" and winds them around the four front "arms". Now the octopus is armed, dangerous and extraordinarily beautiful (of course, from the point of view of the octopus). The tentacles of the physalia do not harm him, but serve as an excellent means of attack.
(www.hiking.ru)

going on seaside resort, people do not think about the dangers that may await them in the waters warm sea. One of these dangers is the predatory inhabitants of the sea. Most people believe that the only dangerous things at sea are predatory fish. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. The real danger to humans is the so-called "Portuguese boats".

"Portuguese boat" has the appearance of a transparent crest, which has tentacles. The length of these tentacles can reach several meters. These inhabitants of the sea got their name for the similarity of their color with the colors of the Portuguese fleet.

These physalia, which are dangerous to humans, are stinging invertebrates and belong to the siphonophore group. In their tentacles there are stinging cells, which contain a portion of a very strong poison. When the tentacle touches the body of the victim, the stinging cells shoot at it with portions of poison.

People who have experienced contact with the tentacles of the "Portuguese boats" say that the sensation of contact with the stinging cells of these physalia can be compared to with a strong blow whip. A trace appears on the human body, which is a burn. Needless to say, the pain is just awful. Some people lose consciousness, unable to endure such terrible pain. The poison of a predator penetrates into the blood of a person, after which it affects the lungs and heart of the victim.

Depending on which "Portuguese boat" a person met, there will be different consequences from the ingestion of the predator's poison into the body. The victim may feel a lack of air, arrhythmia of the heart, etc. If the case is severe, then death is likely.

At the peak velvet season Physalia flooded the beaches of Thailand. The authorities of this state urgently close the beaches so as not to endanger the lives of vacationers. By the way, this behavior of the "Portuguese boats" is not common, since, as a rule, there are quite a few of them in the waters of this state. The reason for the invasion of stinging invertebrates on the beaches of Thailand is a mystery to scientists.

It should be noted that it is forbidden not only to swim in the waters, which are full of poisonous marine life, but even to touch dead predators thrown onto the coastline. The fact is that stinging cells with poison continue to act even after the predator's body has died.

Those who have come into contact with the "Portuguese boat" must follow safety measures so as not to cause even more harm to their health.

No need to remove the tentacle from the damaged area. The fact is that when damaged, the stinging cells will continue to release new portions of the poison, which will not add health to the victim. In order to separate the tentacles of a predator from the body, it is necessary to water them fresh water. If this does not help, then you need to use food vinegar. The very site of the lesion on the human body cannot be washed with fresh water.

It should be noted that the "Portuguese boats" and "box jellyfish" each year carry away about eight dozen human lives. However, if due diligence is exercised, the danger of becoming a victim poisonous inhabitants marine waters can be minimized.

Like this article? Then, press.

In Thailand - Knighton, Nai Yang and Layan. The reason for the emergency measure was the invasion of poisonous physalia, the bite of which is dangerous for humans.

Physalia, or, as it is also called, portuguese boat- a close relative of the jellyfish, but this is not a real jellyfish. Physalia belong to very primitive invertebrate organisms - siphonophores. In fact, this is a floating colony, consisting of many polyps that perform a specific role. Some get food, others process it, others are responsible for reproduction, and fourth for protection. All polyps together are a whole organism.

The most common type of physalia is the Portuguese man-of-war. It got its name because of its bright colors and shape, reminiscent of the sail of a medieval Portuguese ship. From the swim bladder, filled with gas, hang down short digestive organs - gastrozoids. Behind them are spirally twisted movable tentacles - dactylozoids. In most physalia, they reach 10-20 cm; in the Pacific physalia, one of the tentacles, the so-called lasso, can reach 13 or more meters in length. At the ends of each tentacle are poisonous stinging cells. When the fish stumbles upon them, the poison from the capsules paralyzes the prey, and the tentacle pulls it up to the mouth opening.

Why are physalia dangerous to humans?

In contact with the physalia, a person can get a large, painful burn. Blisters appear on the victim's skin, lymph nodes increase, sweating increases, nausea appears, and it becomes difficult to breathe. The bite victim may have swollen or numb hands or feet. If the tentacles touch the spine, it can lead to paralysis, which is deadly when swimming in a pond.

In physalia thrown ashore, the poison retains its properties. Even a dried tentacle that has fallen on the beach as a result of a storm causes irritation, an allergic reaction.

Where are physalia found?

Physalia are found in the tropical Atlantic, the Mediterranean, off the Hawaiian Islands, and off the coast of southern Japan. Portuguese ships often fall into the Gulf Stream and are carried by this current to the English Channel to the shores of England and France.

What precautions should be taken?

If, while swimming in the sea, you saw an approaching boat, you should immediately sail away from it, it is better to go ashore.

In the habitat of the physalis, you should also be careful on the beach. If a storm has recently passed, the wind can easily carry the poisonous tentacles of the physalis along the coast. This phenomenon is called "purple rain".

If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Portuguese warship, physalia, bluebottle jellyfish are the most famous names for this jellyfish. Lives in warm waters (Florida, Cuba, Mediterranean Sea, Australia, Japan). Often the Gulf Stream brings them to the shores of England and France. When they accumulate off the coast of England and France or, for example, near the beaches of Florida, television, radio and the press warn the population of the danger.

Jellyfish are poisonous even when washed ashore. The shoots reach a length of up to 10 meters (which is like a thread in the sand).
The "Portuguese boat" got its name from the multi-colored swim bladder, which is shaped like the sail of a medieval Portuguese sailing ship. The lower part of the bubble is blue, and the upper one is bright red, while the bubble constantly shimmers with purple colors. The bell of this jellyfish shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow from blue to purple, similar to a rubber cap.




Beauty, however, is deceiving.
"Portuguese boats" are often mistakenly attributed to jellyfish. In fact, they belong to the order of siphonophores ("physalia siphonophora"), which can only move under the influence of the force of the wind and the current of water. The length of the tentacles of the "Portuguese boat" can reach 50 meters, and contact with them threatens lethal outcome.

The poison of the "boats" is very dangerous. Allergy sufferers are especially affected by it, who are advised to immediately consult a doctor in case of contact with physalia, otherwise the case may be fatal. The most common consequence of contact with the "boat" is prolonged pain at the burn site and inflammation of the wound. A person may develop nausea, chills, pain in the heart.
If a person touches it, blisters will appear on the skin as if burned. It will hurt for 5 hours. Rubbing the mucus will not help, on the contrary, it will only get worse.
Doctors strongly advise not to wash off the poison of the "Portuguese boats" with fresh water, because this will only increase the pain. A reliable remedy that will relieve an unpleasant burning sensation is three percent vinegar, which must be moistened with the affected areas.
The general condition will also worsen and will last for several days. Seeing this beauty in the water, immediately swim away from her as far as possible. Turtles feed on these jellyfish.


In any case, if you feel a sharp pain, like from a whip or electric shock, you can safely scream. Firstly, from surprise, and secondly, you may urgently need help. The poison of the physalia is very close in its action to the poison of the cobra. The introduction of even a small dose under the skin of laboratory animals ended tragically for them. If you are allergic, then help should be immediate, if not, then you still need to be prepared for some unpleasant consequences.


First of all - a rather long pain at the site of the burn, followed by inflammation of the wound. Muscle twitches, chills, nausea, vomiting may develop, all of which can respond with pain in the heart. Our famous traveler Yuri Senkevich described his condition after contact with the "ship" as severe and rather long. And the worst thing is that sea water then irritates the wound for a long time, and if such a nuisance happened in the first days of rest, then it’s up to you to decide what to do. The only thing that can be safely advised is to consult a doctor, and not be content with the ointments that you will be offered at the hotel (along with sympathetic looks).

In the event that you are not on a tour, and for some reason you do not have insurance, do not despair. In most countries there are free hospitals, and some of them will give odds to Russian paid ones. And no policy is required, which is interesting.


dangerous beauty
So, burns are far from always fatal, although the Portuguese warship is considered the second most dangerous jellyfish in the world (in the strict sense of the word, this is not quite a jellyfish, but a whole colony of one to two hundred jellyfish and polyps).
A doctor is desirable, more precisely, even obligatory in order to remove intoxication and infection. The trace remains, perhaps for a lifetime, but fades, turns pale over the years ... And who knows, maybe it will become a wonderful memory, or, it is possible, a subject of some pride for you?

Even if you are an excellent swimmer, water is always not the most native element for a person. Of course, you should not be afraid and get lost in it, you just need to strive to love, know and understand it. Like so many other things in life, I guess.