physalie

Physalie, also known as the Portuguese man o' war, is a marine invertebrate of the order Siphonophorae. It is not a single organism but a colony of specialized individual organisms called zooids, which are genetically identical and work together as a single entity. The most distinctive feature is its gas-filled float, or pneumatophore, which is typically a purplish or bluish color and can be as large as a football. This float acts as a sail, allowing the colony to drift on ocean currents.

Beneath the float are several types of zooids. Long, trailing tentacles, which can extend for many meters, are equipped with stinging cells called nematocysts. These are used to paralyze and capture prey, which typically consists of small fish and crustaceans. Other zooids are responsible for digestion, reproduction, and maintaining the float's buoyancy. Despite its jellyfish-like appearance, it is not a true jellyfish.

Physalie are found in warm oceanic waters around the world, particularly in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are often found in large aggregations, especially after storms. While not actively aggressive, their sting can be extremely painful and, in rare cases, can be dangerous to humans, causing severe pain, welts, and sometimes more serious systemic effects. Treatment typically involves washing the affected area with seawater and applying heat.