Physalia
Factsheet
Physalia

Common names

Bluebottle, Portuguese man-o'-war, Pacific man-o'-war

Size

Up to 10cm in length

High risk months

 

 

Picture courtesy of Roger Allison-Jones

Distributions

Australian wide and in most warm oceans worldwide.

Common names

Bluebottle, Portuguese man-o'-war, Pacific man-o'-war

Size and appearance

Air-filled sac up to 8 centimetres in length, usually with a single, long, blue main fishing tentacle hanging underneath. This may contract to a few centimetres or extend to cover over a metre in length. Some species (Portugese man-o’-war, Pacific man-o’-war) have numerous main fishing tentacles and cause more severe stings with symptoms similar to Irukandji syndrome.

First aid (non-tropical)

  • Do not allow rubbing of the sting area.
  • Adherent blue tentacles may be seen after a sting and are distinctive for Physalia. Remove any adhering tentacles.
  • Rinse the area well with sea water (not freshwater).
  • Place the stung area in hot water — no hotter than the rescuer can comfortably tolerate.
  • If the pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available, apply ice packs.
  • Send for medical aid if symptoms persist or worsen.

    • First aid (tropical)

  • Call for help (000) or get assistance from a lifesaver/lifeguard.
  • Provide emergency care if necessary.
  • Liberally douse the area with vinegar. If vinegar is not available, remove remaining tentacles and rinse the area well with seawater.
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    Fact Sheet 4 — physalia

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