Portuguese Man O’ Wars Are Washing Up In New Jersey
Over the past several days, beachgoers along the Jersey Shore have been spotting some unusual purple sea creatures washed up along the sand.
Reports have come in from Cape May all the way up to Ocean City, leaving many people curious and a bit alarmed about what exactly they are.
Portuguese Man O’ Wars Are Washing Up In New Jersey
These strikingly colored creatures are Portuguese Man O’ Wars, sometimes referred to as “Man of War.” While they may look like jellyfish, they are actually a colony of organisms that function together, making them both fascinating and dangerous.
They are typically found in warmer waters of the Caribbean and off the coast of Florida. However, each summer a few of them find their way up the Eastern Seaboard.
So, how do they end up on our shores? The answer lies in the Gulf Stream. These floating creatures drift with the ocean currents, and when the Gulf Stream moves closer to the coast, Portuguese Man O’ Wars are often carried north.
If the current pushes too close to shore, that’s when we begin to see them appear more frequently along New Jersey’s beaches.
One of the most important things to know about the Man O’ War is its tentacles. They can stretch to more than 100 feet in length and are equipped with stinging cells that deliver a painful sting to anything that comes into contact with them, humans included.
Also See: Strange Sea Creatures Wash Ashore In Wildwood
Even after they’ve washed ashore and appear lifeless, their tentacles can still deliver a powerful sting. This is why experts stress that you should never touch them.
Encounters with Man O’ Wars are not new to the Jersey Shore.
While it may seem surprising to see them, it is not uncommon for a few to wash up during the summer months.
When this happens, local authorities and lifeguards typically remind swimmers and beachgoers to be cautious.
The best advice is to keep your distance and admire these creatures from afar.
Despite their painful sting, Portuguese Man O’ Wars play an important role in the ocean ecosystem. They are part of a larger food web, preying on small fish and plankton while also serving as food for certain sea turtles and fish species.
So if you happen to come across one of these purple drifters on the beach, snap a picture if you’d like, but be sure to keep your hands off.
Check out this BBC Earth video below to learn more about the fascinating Portuguese Man O’ War!
[Photos in article by Bill Newman]