Distinguishing Characteristics |
Colony of 4 types of polyps: 1) the air bladder is translucent, balloon-like, one end wider than the other; back with raised, compressed air canals (sail); colors range from blue, purple, pink, to green; stays on surface of water, acts as a sail; 2) long, string-like tentacles under air bladder, dark green or purple, covered with stinging cells; 3&4) digestive and reproductive polyps form clusters of short, stringy masses that dangle beneath the air bladder, colors the same as tentacles. |
Similar Species |
Another Physalia, P. utriculus, lives in the Pacific Ocean. It is distinguished from P. physalia by having a shorter float (6 in) and only 1 long stinging tentacle. |
Habitat |
Gulf, ocean surface |
Maximum Size |
float up to 30 cm (12 in), tentacles up to 50 m (164 ft), typically 10 m (33 ft) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Not a true jellyfish. Venomous. Stinging cells can cause very painful welts. Fatalities have been reported due to the Portuguese man o' war. |