Joe Pender Wildlife Photography

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Portuguese man of war



We saw this Portuguese man of war on last nights trip despite its outward appearance, the Man o' War is not a jellyfish but a siphonophore, which differs from jellyfish in that it is not actually a single creature, but a colonial organism made up of many minute individuals called zooids. Each of these zooids is highly specialized, and, although structurally similar to other solitary animals, they are attached to one another and physiologically integrated to the extent that they are incapable of independent survival


3 comments:

  1. Very interesting info.and a great 'photo....which 'bit' stings?...or does any part of it administer a sting?

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    1. The stinging cells (nematocysts) are on the tentacles that trail down below.

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    2. Thanks for info. I do remember seeing some years ago....and told "to avoid at all costs"!!

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