Spike in Man o War Beach Sightings
Tara A. Spears
Winds that have blown the past week have brought the man o’ war -which are often mistaken for jellyfish- onto Jaltemba Bay beaches. According to National Geographic, the Portuguese Man o’ War floats on the ocean surface, and uses its tentacles to kill fish and other small prey. This sea creature cannot direct its motion so that’s why so many end up on beaches. Preferring warmer tropical and subtropical waters, these fascinating marine invertebrates are both attractive and poisonous.
The animals look like clear balloons and while it may be tempting to take a closer look, don’t. It only takes a moment for it to deliver a painful sting to anyone who touches it.
“Even when they are on the beach, the stinging tentacles still work,” officials said. “Stepping on one in your bare feet trying to pop the float, or just stepping on one by accident will give you a very powerful sting.” Although painful, the Man-o-War’s sting generally subsides after 30 minutes, leaving raised red patches on the skin, some individuals may experience fever and muscle pain. Nausea and vomiting might also occur. There have been only a couple of instances when a MoW sting resulted in death.
Those tentacles can be extremely long. One Man o War that was reported in the southern USA had tentacles that were 16 feet long. Be extra careful in bare feet when you see the balloon body, take care to avoid the tentacles, too. Man-of-War colonies travel the warm currents of most of the world’s oceans in groups of up to 1000. Therefore, if you see even one on the shore be extra vigilant for more to be in the area.
Scientist report that global warming is resulting in rising ocean temperatures and reduced oxygen levels in the water. While detrimental to many marine species, this combination has created an environment where both jellyfish and the Portuguese Man-o-War thrive. As the oceans continue to warm, Man-o-War colonies will grow in population and spread. It’s anticipated that there will be more sighting.
Although the MoW is a predator in its own right, there are other species that consume it. Predators of the Portuguese Man-o-War include sea slugs, sea turtles, crabs, fish, and the violet sea-snail.
Other similar sea animals are the Jellyfish. There mucus-like marine organisms that can be found in various parts of the ocean. From warm to cold regions of the ocean, from the deep water to the surface, intercontinental to coastal beaches, jellyfish can thrive in many types of environment. All they need is some time to adapt to their surroundings. They look different from other marine organisms as they do not have skin or bones. Jellyfish consist of a shaped body with many undulating tentacles. Although they have no brain or body, Jellies are extremely intelligent. As an omnivore, Jellyfish feed on fish, shrimp, crabs, and tiny plants.
The best way to treat a Man-o-War sting (after removing the tentacles which often attach to the skin) is with a vinegar rinse and heat compress. This helps to neutralize and rinse away the venom. If you are stung, seek medical attention right away.
Despite being dangerous if touched, the colorful Portuguese Man-o-War colony is a sight to behold on its own, and as it travels together with hundreds of other. It’s just another exotic to add exciitement to your beach walk.
