Cornwall - Misc.
Portuguese Man O' War
A few of the Gas filled floats of dead Portuguese Man O' War (Physalia Physalis) ,
driven ashore in the recent Gales.
The float (contains a gas similar to air but with up to 8% Carbon Monoxide)
sits on the water surface with the crest acting a sail .
The live ' floating colonial hydrozoan' has long trailing tenticles with stinging cells to stun fish and other prey.
The reproductive , feeding , and defensive polyps are below the float.
Ref: 5348
Date: 20/10/2017
Location: SW 9149 3758