Portuguese man-of-war
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Portuguese man-of-war
Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) at the waters surface. This organism is a colony composed of many specialised polyps, groups of which form its structures. These include the gas- filled float and the long tentacles, as well as the reproductive cells and the many stomachs (neither seen). The Portuguese man-of-war cannot swim actively. It is usually found in warm, tropical waters, but the wind may carry it long distances, and it is often seen in colder regions. It catches young fish, shrimps and other small animals in its stinging tentacles. These are then carried to one of the stomachs for digestion. Photographed in the Bahamas
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6469515
© PETER SCOONES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bahamas Co Operation Coelenterate Coelenterates Colonial Colony Float Floating Hydra Hydrozoa Hydrozoan Jelly Jelly Fish Poison Poisonous Polyp Polyps Social Sting Stinging Surface Tentacle Tentacles Toxic Toxin Tropics Man Of War Physalia Physalis Portuguese Man Of War
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Portuguese man-of-war, also known as Physalia physalis, gracefully floating at the water's surface. This mesmerizing organism is actually a colony made up of numerous specialized polyps that work together to form its unique structures. Among these structures are the gas-filled float and long tentacles, which are not visible in this particular image. The Portuguese man-of-war is unable to actively swim but can be found in warm tropical waters, although it has been known to travel long distances carried by wind currents and can even be spotted in colder regions. One of the most fascinating aspects of this creature is its hunting technique. Using its stinging tentacles, it captures young fish, shrimps, and other small animals that come into contact with them. These captured prey are then transported to one of the many stomachs within the colony for digestion. Photographed against the stunning backdrop of the Bahamas, this image highlights both the beauty and complexity of marine life. It serves as a reminder of how diverse our oceans truly are and provides a glimpse into an intricate ecosystem where cooperation among individual organisms creates a harmonious whole.
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