On February 15, the Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the Archipelago Department of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina (Coralina) reported that citizens who are on the beaches of the territory these days should be careful due to the arrival of a harmful spice in the waters.
This is the Portuguese man-of-war species (Physalia physalis), also known as the Portuguese frigate, bad water, blue bottle or false jellyfish.
According to Coralina, this “is a species of invertebrate from the Physaliidae family that is usually found in the open sea in all the warm waters of the planet, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.”
This animal has tentacles with stinging capsules called cnidocytes, which can paralyze a large fish and affect humans if it comes into contact with its skin, and its bite can be dangerous and painful.
Therefore, care must be taken not to be close to these specimens, even if they are dead. In addition, some people may be allergic, so they should go to a hospital immediately.
“A call to the resident, Raizal and visitor community of the islands to be alert to the possible presence in the beach areas,” says Coralina.
Some of the symptoms that may appear when in contact with this species are: intense pain, breathing problems and even cardiac arrest.
recommendations
The Coralina Corporation recommends:
– If the presence of “Portuguese frigates” is detected in beach areas, it is better to avoid entering the sea.
– If specimens are found stranded in the sand, handling them should be avoided, since the tentacles, in addition to being very long, are often not easily visible.
– If you come into contact with the skin with the tentacles, you should immediately wash the affected area with sea water and remove any remains of the tentacles, avoiding direct contact with them.
– Avoid scraping the skin, as this activates more cnidocytes, and thus the release of more stinging substances.
– Do not apply vinegar or fresh water, nor should you rub or scratch the skin with sand or towels.
How to identify a Portuguese frigate?
The Portuguese man-of-war species (Physalia physalis), also known as the Portuguese frigate, is made up of a gelatinous sail of between 15 and 30 cm that allows it to travel the oceans propelled by winds, tides and sea currents.
Numerous tentacles hang from the central body that they use to catch their prey and that, when extended, can measure up to 10 meters.
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