Other name: The portuguese man-of-war. The man-of-war's body consists of a gas-filled (mostly nitrogen), bladder-like float - a translucent structure tinted pink, blue, or violet - which may be 3 to 12 inches (9 to 30 centimeters) long and may extend as much as 6 inches (15 centimeters) above the water. Beneath the float are clusters of polyps, from which hang tentacles of up to 165 feet (about 50 meters) in length. The sting of Physalia is very painful to man and can cause serious effects, including fever, shock, and interference with heart and lung action.
Not only was this an interesting lesson in marine biology, but it also turned out to be one of the more creative demonstrations of color Ive seen on this site yet. Congratulations on a job very nicely done. Regards, Les
0 
