Surge in number of the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) washed up on Juhu and Girgaum beaches, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Abstract

After the onset of South-west monsoon along the west coast of India, swarming of blue bottle jelly fish the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) is observed at Juhu and Girgaum beaches, Mumbai almost every year. Portuguese man-of-war, though often mistaken as a jellyfish, is a marine Cnidarian of the family Physalidae. Its venomous tentacles can deliver painful sting. In July, 2013 sudden strong winds and high tide had brought in several bluebottle jelly fish (Fig 1). For several people, a walk by the seaside at Juhu and Girgaum beaches during first week of July, 2013 ended in redness of skin, swelling, irritation, itching, blisters and severe body ache. The daily news papers carried news items on the marine venomous creature, Portuguese man-of-war and their venomous sting threat to public.