Dozens of poisonous ‘bluebottle flies’ have washed up on the famous Patong beach on the Thai holiday island of Phuket this weekend. So far, no tourists have been stung.
As the Bangkok Post newspaper reported, citing the local marine research center, authorities and lifeguards discovered about 40 specimens.
The jellyfish, whose scientific name is Physalia utriculus, belongs to the same genus as the infamous Portuguese galleys. But ‘Bluebottles’ are smaller and less dangerous. Their shimmering bluish gas bubble, which is responsible for buoyancy, measures up to 15 centimeters. The tentacles can reach a length of ten meters.
Severe pain possible
These are not true jellyfish, but huge colonies of polyps in which each individual performs a specific task. Anyone who comes into contact with the tentacles experiences severe pain and red welts on the skin. For humans, an encounter with the cnidarian is rarely fatal, except in the case of allergic shock.
Warning leaflets distributed
Authorities distributed warning leaflets to the public, urging swimmers to be extra careful to avoid being bitten. Lifeguards were on hand to provide first aid in case of emergency.
Source: Krone
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