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The Portugese Man O' War

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Named for its resemblance to a Portuguese sailing vessel, the body is an iridescent blue, pink or violet floating bladder, 3 – 12 inches across, with a "sail" that sticks up as much as 6 inches. Wind, as well as current, can drive the passive body as it seeks its prey. A colony of four types of highly modified polyps, each having a single branched tentacle, is suspended from under the bladder The tentacles of the defensive and food capturing polyps are transparent and and may trail up to 165 feet behind the float, entrapping plankton and small fish as they dangle.

A very efficient predator, the Man-of-war may fall victim to Loggerhead and Hawksbill Turtles and Sunfish.

Most commonly found afloat, they often wash ashore in winter or when blown by strong winds.

Habitat

Common in tropical or sub-tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are also found in the North Atlantic Gulf Stream, Florida’s Keys and coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Sargasso Sea (N.E. of the West Indies).

Risk to Humans

Humans coming in contact with the tentacles are attacked by numerous microscopic, poisonous, dart like structures,(nematocysts) causing extremely painful lesions. Pain and discomfort for an adult may last from several minutes to several days. Children, asthmatics, and people with allergies or sensitivities to plants or animals may be at extreme risk.

A severed tentacle can inflict as much damage as an attached tentacle, and a dead Man-of-war can still sting. Do not touch a Man-of-war on the beach or enter the water where they are present.

Ecological & other value

Fish and crustaceans, such as the sand crab, that can be of commercial value, eat the Portuguese Man-of-war.

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The English Cat O' War

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What better way to hunt those German Wolf packs

Jesper, where did you find that beast? I never heard of it until I read the novel "Der Schwarm" during my last holiday in denmark.

Oh I didnt find it, it found me

hehe

No; I was watching National Geograhpic Channel the other night and there was a docu about venomous sea creatures, and I found it to be one of the most scary "things" I've heard of in a long time.

They dont live in the waters around Denmark (Thank God for that)

The Portugese Man of War is a pussy cat when compared to this guy.

Welcome to Australian waters.



Clickey thing.

I had a great illustration saved away somewhere (analog, not digital) that I was going to paint on the side of my R/C biplane when I got it done. Ten years later, still no biplane, but it would make a good conning tower/bridge logo for the game.

Goat's, the master race.

Mitch

Simple yet effective

Photobucket

A shame that I don't do the logo justice. I'm not too good.

Simple design, but it is symbolistic to all and every sailor above or below the waves.