Portuguese Invasion (Not Euro Cup)

Constant offshore winds during wave season have carried small Portuguese Man-of-War (Physalia physalis) to the shores of Gorontalo. Rarely seen here, this marine creature is actually a colony of four different hydroid polyps, each with a different function in the colony. The most recognizable feature is its translucent, bluish bladder that is filled with nitrogen gas and floats on the ocean’s surface. This serves as a sail, carrying the colony to food sources. The three polyps that hang from the bladder are for paralyzing prey, digesting it by secreting enzymes, and for reproducing. Stings from the man-of-war’s tentacles can be quite dangerous to humans who are allergic. Portuguese Man-of-War are not present in Gorontalo waters during dive season. In fact, the day after we discovered them, the current had already carried them away.