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Physalia physalis Portuguese Man-of-War |
| This pelagic siphonophore floats on the surface by means of a gas-filled, balloonlike float that changes shape to catch the prevailing wind. Although periodically washed ashore on the more exposed beaches of other areas of the Florida East Coast, it is only uncommonly found on the beaches of northeast Florida as a result of sustained onshore winds. The stinging tentacles (nematocysts) can cause extremely painful stings, shock, and in certain instances, death. Admire the colors but don't touch. |
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South Ponce Inlet beach, Volusia County, Florida 3/21/2007 | Digital photograph by Joel Wooster |
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