If You See THIS On The Beach, Run Far Far Away And Never Return!
It looks like something straight out of War of the Worlds—purple and blue and shimmering in the sun, reflecting off the water.
It is both beautiful and unique, so it's natural if curiosity gets the better of someone and they want to take a closer look at this odd-looking creature.
Just a word of advice: Don't let your curiosity get hold of you. These fascinating and alien creatures are called the Portuguese man o' war. They are also known as "floating terror," which should be a hint that this is one aquatic dweller you'd rather not get up close and personal with.
Traveling in pods of up to 1,000 or more, the Portuguese man o' war floats along with its friends at the mercy of the currents.
Here is the really nasty part, though: The Portuguese man o' war has very lengthy tentacles—typically about 30 feet long, but some will grow to the length of 165 feet!
The Portuguese man o' war uses these tentacles to paralyze its prey. A sting is very painful to humans and in certain circumstances can be fatal.
Making things (still) creepier is that the Portuguese man o' war isn't a single entity; it is four separate organisms that each play a role, from flotation to reproduction.
If you are unlucky enough to be stung by this hell-spawn, do not pee on the stings. Contrary to popular belief, this will not help and in fact might make things worse. Instead, use a cold compress on the stings to help keep down swelling and monitor for an allergic reaction. In the case of an allergic reaction, seek treatment at the hospital.
Unlike creatures that feel simple emotions like love, the Portuguese man o' war can still sting for weeks after washing up on a beach. If you are hoping to find a souvenir, stick with sand dollars.
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