This marine species is often thought to be a type of jellyfish, but its not! It is in fact know as a colonial hydrozoan, made up of many tiny animals called zooids that live together as a colony.

 

Behaviour

Be careful around this species, they give a very nasty sting!

They stay afloat using a gas-filled bladder, which can be seen bobbing around on the surface. They cannot swim but drift with currents and wind direction, and can often be washed up along the shore during storms or rough weather.

They catch small fish and crustaceans in the water column using their long stinging tentacles.

Size

The float can reach up to 30 cm, but the tentacles can reach lengths up to 20 m!

Status

Common

Distribution

It is rare to see them within the UK

When to see

September – December

Facts

The Portuguese Man O’War is named after an 18th Century sailing ship!