Animal of the week #2
Physalia physalis
Portuguese man o'war
This cnidaria is found in Atlantic and Indian ocean. It belongs in a group of organisms that live in an interface between water and air, called neuston. It moves passively, driven by winds, currents and tides.
It is not a singular organism but a colonial one. It's made from many smaller units called zooids that hang in clusters under a large, gas-filled structure called the pneumatophore. Pneumathopore is made from one individual zooid and it's used as floating device and as a sail.
It is highly toxic. Its tentacles contain numerous microscopic venomous cnidocytes that deliver a painful sting that is powerful enough to kill fish and, in some cases, even humans. It can sting even when washed ashore.
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A reminder for those of us with cats at Easter that lilies of ANY kind are BAD for cats. Some species such as Calla, Peace and Peruvian do not cause kidney damage or death like Easter and daylilies, but they can still cause irritation and gastrointestinal issues if ingested...
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Button for when you love the drama
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Look at this friend I made on my way home 😍
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