A large number of Portuguese Man O' Wars (bluebottles) have washed ashore at Pantai Rhu Muda in Marang, Terengganu. Authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with these potentially dangerous creatures.
Hundreds of Portuguese Man O' War s, commonly known as bluebottles, have been stranded at Pantai Rhu Muda in Marang, Terengganu , prompting a warning from authorities for the public to exercise caution. These marine creatures, often mistaken for jellyfish, are actually siphonophores, closely related to jellyfish.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Faculty of Marine Science and Environment Senior Lecturer Associate Prof Dr Roswati Md Amin, an expert in Plankton Ecophysiology, explained that these transparent bluish creatures possess poisonous stinging cells located in their tentacles, used both for capturing prey and as a defense mechanism. Contact with a bluebottle sting can cause intense burning pain, red whip-like lines, and small white lesions on the affected skin areas. The pain typically subsides within 1 to 2 hours, but joint aches may persist. A rash or redness may also develop at the sting site. Even detached tentacles washed ashore can remain dangerous for months. Therefore, Dr. Roswati strongly advises the public to avoid touching these animals, including deceased ones, as they can inflict harm. Portuguese Man O' Wars are commonly found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. While sightings are not uncommon, last November, a similar event was reported on beaches around UMT in Kuala Nerus.These colonial creatures are unable to swim independently. Instead, they utilize their float-like polyps, ranging from 2cm to 10cm in size, to navigate through the water. Ocean currents and wind also influence their movement. Research indicates that wind strength and direction significantly impact their presence along coastlines. Strong northeast monsoon season winds, for example, are believed to contribute to their accumulation on beaches. Last year, six children, aged between 1 and 11, experienced stings from these creatures in Bachok, Kelantan. As there is no specific anti-venom for bluebottle stings, treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief and pain management using painkillers. Although not fatal to humans, bluebottle stings are excruciatingly painful. Dr. Roswati also reminds fishermen to exercise extra caution as these creatures can easily become entangled in fishing nets. The Portuguese Man O' War earned its name from the 18th-century armed sailing ship, due to the resemblance of its uppermost polyp, a gas-filled bladder, to an old warship with full sails. They are also known as the Floating Terror!
Portuguese Man O' War Bluebottle Sting Beach Warning Terengganu Malaysia Siphonophores Jellyfish
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