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Typically, when speaking of biodiversity or characterizing the fauna that inhabits a particular site, reference is made to groups of animals or species that are part of highly recognized groups. However, nature goes far beyond the species that are most commonly spoken of, since it harbors a whole set of groups that are still quite unknown, mainly due to their lower abundance. Through this article, from Green Ecologist we enter the world of hydrozoans and, specifically, we talked about the Portuguese caravels or fake jellyfish.
You want to know what is a Portuguese caravel, its characteristics and how is its bite? So, keep reading this interesting article to learn about this curious marine being and see various photos to identify it.
What is a Portuguese caravel and its classification
Although often confusing, the Portuguese caravelPhysalia physalis) It is not a jellyfish, but the classification of the Portuguese caravel tells us that it is a hydrozoan (from the Greek hydrawater snake, and zoon, animal). It is a kind on the edge of Cnidarians, which are aquatic organisms, mostly marine, with many years old.
P. physalis it is a rare species, quite unknown and uncommon on beaches. Nevertheless, Are Portuguese caravels dangerous for people? It is one of the most dangerous species that exist, since the poison of the Portuguese man-of-war, which it stores in its cnidocytes, is very powerful and can be fatal for a child and even an adult, due to the anaphylactic shock it causes. Portuguese caravels remind us of jellyfish for their appearance, but also for their sting.
We recommend you learn more about Cnidarians: characteristics and examples of species with this other post from Green Ecologist.
Characteristics of the Portuguese caravel
To get to know this species better, we must contextualize the taxonomy of the Portuguese man-of-war, which is the following:
- Physalia physalis It is part of the Physaliidae Family.
- It is of the Order Siphonophora.
- It is of the Class Hydrozoa.
- It is from the Cnidaria Edge.
- It is part of the Animalia Kingdom.
- It is part of the Eukarya Domain.
Is fake jellyfish is part of gelatinous plankton and is formed by a grouping of associated organisms in a colony, with a division of different functions to facilitate the survival of the entire colony. These are some of the main characteristics of the Portuguese caravel:
- Regarding the morphology of this colonial association, a part of its body is permanently floating on the surface of the water, specifically, the bladder of tonality purple, pink or blue filled with gas inside. In this part, there are also small pores which allow the uptake of oxygen to be distributed throughout the colony through a network of tubes. This configuration allows it to be carried by the currents and marine winds, while the rest of the body remains submerged.
- In addition, this division in its body makes its appearance similar to that of a sailing ship, hence the names by which it is known: Portuguese caravel or Portuguese frigate.
- Along with this, it has some dactylozoids or tentacles that can measure up to 50 meters or more and that are used both to defend themselves from predators and to capture prey.
- Being colonial associations, they are not animals with brains.
- P. physalis presents a digestive system composed of several hydroids called gastrozoids and, inside, they have a polyp founder of the colony.
- Around the polyp, there is a crown of gonozoids responsible for producing new cells called gametes. The groups of gametes produced fall to the seabed where they fixate and proceed to release these sex cells. Once fertilization takes place, a polyp is generated that rises to the sea surface through the accumulation of lipids.
- Regarding its presence, this species has been detected in some regions of Spain, for example, in the Canary Islands, especially during January and February, being able to be present occasionally in March. However, generally, this species lives in groups in tropical and subtropical waters in areas such as the Atlantic coast, the Florida Keys coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea or the Indian Ocean.
How is the bite of a Portuguese caravel
As we have commented, the Portuguese caravel presents a danger since the stinging cells of its filaments produce a venom that can cause neurotoxic, cytotoxic and cardiotoxic problems not only their prey, but also humans or other animals that bump into them, which can cause us to death. This sting occurs as a fully automatic defense mechanism when the Portuguese caravel witnesses a threat.
Regarding the symptoms of the sting of the Portuguese man-of-warThese include a very wide range of severity. You may experience mild symptoms, such as burning and itching in the area where the bite occurred, or even severe allergic reactions that can lead to anaphylactic shock and death. The most serious symptoms can go through experiencing severe pain, constant nausea, vomiting, fever and even death.
What to do if you get bitten by a Portuguese caravel
We end this interesting article about this strange marine being by answering what to do if you get bitten by a Portuguese caravel. If you never experience the sting of the Portuguese man-of-war, the recommended actions to follow are:
- First, leave the water immediately.
- Then you have to wash the wound caused by the bite with sea water, vinegar or alcohol, without rubbing it, to remove the remains of tentacles that may have remained on the skin with the utmost care.
- Fresh water should never be applied to treat the bite as it has negative effects, intensifying the effects caused. Furthermore, if possible, it would be preferable to use hot rather than cold water.
- Finally, you have to go to an emergency room or to the doctor to review the injury and its effects. Normally, it is recommended to apply a cortisone cream.
If you want to read more articles similar to Portuguese caravel: what is it, characteristics and sting, we recommend that you enter our Wild Animals category.
Bibliography- Drafting of National Geographic Spain. (October 5, 2022). National Geographic Spain. The false jellyfish: https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/naturaleza/la-mejor-falsa-medusa_7011
Pictures of Portuguese Caravel: what it is, characteristics and sting
