The Portuguese man o’ war (*Physalia physalis*), also known as the **Portuguese frigate**, is not a jellyfish but a **colony of specialized organisms** called zooids, which cooperate as a superorganism to ensure their survival. These zooids perform specific functions: **buoyancy, feeding, reproduction, and defense**.
The pneumatophore, the visible floating structure above the water, acts as a sail to move with the wind. Below it, there are **tentacles that can measure up to 30 meters** and are equipped with stinging cells, called cnidocytes, that release venom upon contact.
The venom from its tentacles **can cause intense pain**, **affect the nervous system, muscles**, and, in extreme cases, **the respiratory centers**. Although rarely fatal to humans, their stings can cause severe skin injuries and systemic reactions.
The **severity** depends on factors such as the amount of toxin released, the number of tentacles in contact with the skin, and the biomass of the affected person.
**[image of Portuguese man o’ war](https://storage.googleapis.com/media-cloud-na/2025/01/carabela-portuguesa-3.jpg)**
### Sightings on the coasts of the South Atlantic
In recent days, **numerous Portuguese man o’ wars have been reported on beaches in Uruguay**, and there is speculation about their possible arrival on the Argentine coasts. Although they traditionally inhabit tropical and subtropical areas, changes in meteorological and oceanographic conditions have facilitated their appearance in the European Atlantic, **the Mediterranean**, and the South Atlantic.
These superorganisms play **a key role in marine ecosystems by preying on zooplankton**, **small fish, and larvae**, contributing to nutrient recycling. However, they can also pose problems in commercial fishing by reducing populations of economically valuable fish.
### Prevention and recommendations
In the presence of Portuguese man o’ wars, it is essential to:
1. **Stay informed about local alerts**.
2. **Avoid entering the water if they are detected in the area**.
3. **Notify authorities to take prompt action**.
“**Prevention** is our **best tool for enjoying the sea** while respecting biodiversity,” local authorities emphasized.
**[image of injuries caused by Portuguese man o’ war](https://storage.googleapis.com/media-cloud-na/2025/01/carabela-portuguesa-2.jpg)**
### How to act in case of a Portuguese man o’ war attack?
– **Wash the affected area with saltwater**.
– **Do not use fresh water or vinegar** as they intensify the effect.
– **Apply heat to the area to neutralize the venom and use cortisone creams to relieve inflammation**.
### How to recognize a Portuguese man o’ war in the water?
These organisms can be recognized by their:
– **Shape**: Their shape is similar to a balloon and can measure up to 30 centimeters in diameter. Also, it resembles an 18th-century Portuguese warship.
– **Color**: The Portuguese man o’ war is blue or purple. Additionally, its float can also be blue, violet, or pink.
– **Tentacles**: Their tentacles can measure up to 50 meters in length, remain submerged in the water, and contain stinging capsules.
– **Stings**: Portuguese man o’ war stings are painful and dangerous. The venom from their tentacles can be potentially lethal, so if you see one, get out of the water as quickly as possible.
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