Catalonia's picturesque beaches have been temporarily closed to swimmers due to the presence of a dangerous sea creature known as the Portuguese Man o' War, or bladderfish (Physalia physalis).
This siphonophore, often mistaken for a jellyfish, has been spotted along the Mediterranean coast, prompting authorities to take swift action to protect beachgoers.
The Portuguese Man o' War, while often mistaken for a jellyfish, is technically a siphonophore.
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It can be recognized by its long, pink-colored tentacles, which can reach up to 20 meters in length.
While it typically inhabits tropical waters, sightings of this dangerous organism have recently been reported in the Mediterranean, including areas like Sardinia and Tunisia.
The bladderfish recently spotted in Catalonia, Spain, were relatively small and considered less aggressive, yet authorities took no chances.
Civil protection services temporarily closed several beaches in the cities of Tamarit, Tarragona, and Altafulla to protect swimmers. The beaches were reopened over the weekend when the threat was deemed to have subsided.
A Potentially Lethal Sting
The Portuguese Man o' War is far from harmless. Its tentacles release a potent venom that can kill fish and cause serious health issues in humans. "Its sting can be fatal to fish and can even cause cardiac arrest in humans," warned Catalan broadcaster 3/24.
Symptoms of a sting can include inflammation, redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin. More severe reactions may affect other parts of the body, leading to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, or gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, fever, nausea, and anxiety.
While symptoms typically subside within a few days, it is important to seek medical attention, as individual reactions can vary significantly. The intense pain from a sting can also impair swimming ability, increasing the risk of drowning.
