Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Portuguese man ‘o war spotted on Alabama beaches: How to stay safe
Reading time: 2 minutes
As temperatures rise along with the urge to hit the beach, be sure to keep an eye out for these venomous creatures.
Meterologist Caroline Carithers with WKRG News 5 in Mobile posted photos this week of a Portuguese man o’ war washed up along the beach in Fort Morgan.
The man o’ war is a species of siphonophore, which are closely related to jellyfish. The main difference between the two is that siphonophores are “comprised of a colony of specialized, genetically identical individuals called zooids — clones — with various forms and functions, all working together as one,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
These sea creatures can be blue, violet or pink, and they rise up to six inches above the waterline. Its tentacles grow to an average of 30 feet long and can get as long as 100 feet.
The tentacles contain venom that is capable of killing small fish and crustaceans. If man o’ war sting humans, it is rarely deadly, but it can cause welts on skin and lots of pain.
Some tips to help avoid Portugese man o’ war are:
- Checking with lifeguards about any recent sightings
- Looking at warning flags on the beach (purple or blue flags often signify dangerous marine life)
- Wearing protective clothing like a wetsuit or rash guard
- Keeping an eye on the water’s surface while swimming and on the shore while walking
- Sticking with a buddy in the water
- Being cautious after storms
If you get stung, you should:
- Get out of the water quickly
- Rinse with vinegar or saltwater
- Carefully remove tentacles with tweezers
- Apply heat to the affected area
- Seek medical attention if the pain is severe, the sting covers a large area or you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain or an allergic reaction
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