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Date Published: 06/08/2024

WATCH: Frightening Portuguese man o war jellyfish swarm Costa Blanca beaches

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These dangerous critters have been spotted in the waters of Torrevieja, Dénia and Guardamar

¡Precaución! Hoy se han podido ver algunos ejemplares de Carabela Portuguesa en la costa de #Torrevieja, aunque por el momento no se considera preocupante. Los servicios de socorrismo y vigilancia de playas son conocedores y están atentos a su evolución. Vídeo: Hassan. pic.twitter.com/CSrjqy2iE3
— Proyecto Mastral (@ProyectoMastral) August 2, 2024

The usually serene waters of the Costa Blanca are witnessing a most unwelcome invasion with the arrival of the potentially deadly Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish. With its distinctive appearance and powerful sting, this creature is turning heads and raising concerns among beachgoers.

The man o' war, or Physalia physalis, is not even really a jellyfish. It's a unique organism comprising multiple individuals working together as a colony, each with its specialised task. What appears to be a floating balloon-like bladder, often mistaken for a small boat, is actually a sail that propels this creature through the sea, guided by wind, tides and currents.

Beneath this mesmerising sail lies a network of long, venomous tentacles that can reach up to 50 metres in length. These tentacles contain capsules filled with paralysing toxins, ready to strike unsuspecting prey or, in this case, unsuspecting beachgoers.

The presence of man o' war jellyfish in the waters of Torrevieja, specifically in the area of the coves and Cabo Cervera, has been confirmed by Proyecto Mastral and biologist Juan Antonio Pujol. Several specimens were also spotted a few days ago a little further up the coast in Dénia and Guardamar del Segura.

While their arrival may cause concern among swimmers, Mr Pujol assures that the situation does not seem alarming at the moment.

However, it's essential to exercise caution. The sting of a man o' war can be dangerous, causing symptoms ranging from intense itching and burning to severe pain, nausea and fever. In rare cases, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, an encounter with this jellyfish could prove fatal.

Experts advise beachgoers to stay alert and maintain a safe distance from any man o' war jellyfish they may spot. While solitary specimens may not pose a significant threat, it's crucial to be vigilant and avoid swarms or colonies.

The most worrying aspect is the persistence of their venom, which remains active even after the jellyfish is removed from the water or sand. Touching or stepping on a stranded man o' war can still result in a sting, so it's essential to notify lifeguard services if you spot one.

Biologist Juan Antonio Pujol offers sage advice: “Be especially careful, stay away from them, and notify the lifeguard services if you see one.”

Also of interest: Cartagena beaches invaded by thousands of jellyfish

Image: Mike Theiss/NAT GEO

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