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A Portuguese man-of-war has been spotted on Torreguadiaro beach in Campo de Gibraltar, drawing the attention of people passing through the area on Monday. While sightings are becoming less unusual, the creature still causes plenty of concern whenever it appears along the coast.

 

The species is now turning up more often on the shores of Campo de Gibraltar and other parts of the Andalusian coastline. Experts say rising sea temperatures, together with changes in currents and the effect of easterly winds, are helping bring it closer to shore.

 

Although it looks like a jellyfish, the Portuguese man-of-war is not one at all. It is a colonial hydrozoan, made up of hundreds of individual organisms working together as one. It is easy to recognise by its floating sail and long tentacles, which can stretch to more than ten metres and may appear blue, pink or reddish.

 

Its sting can be extremely painful, and in some cases it may even trigger a serious allergic reaction. Experts warn that even beached specimens can still sting, so it is important to stay well away and avoid any contact. The Portuguese man-of-war is not generally described as a “killer jellyfish”, but its venom can cause strong local pain that may spread along the affected limb, leaving red marks on the skin and sometimes blisters.

 

Because of that, beachgoers are being urged to take great care if they come across one in the water or on the sand. The advice is simple, do not touch it under any circumstances and keep children and pets away from the area.

 

If one is found, the recommendation is to call 112 and report the location. People are also being asked not to panic, to respect the natural environment and to act cautiously around any unfamiliar marine organism. For now, the sighting on Torreguadiaro is another reminder that these striking but dangerous creatures are becoming an increasingly familiar part of life on some southern Spanish beaches.

 

 

 

Image: Sergio-sq/Pixabay