The Center for the Investigation of Sea Science and Limnology (Cimar) informed that they have received reports on the presence of Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) in beaches of the Costa Rican Caribbean.

This animal is a marine hydrozoan, similar to a jellyfish, but it is Not a jellyfish, its long tentacles deliver a painful sting.
Contact with them should be avoided, if seen floating in the water it is recommended to get out of the ocean, and if seen on the beach they should not be touched; they are harmful for both human and animals.

Each of the small tentacles are an individual, some of them specialize in feeding, others in reproduction, others in defense, etc.
The Portuguese man o’war was seen in Playa Chiquita, Cocles, also in Gandoca-Manzanillo.

The Atlantic Portuguese man o’ war lives at the surface of the ocean and they move according to the winds, currents, and tides.
Detached tentacles and even dead specimens can still sting painfully and in severe cases can even cause fever and shock.

To treat stings, wash the area with salt water, fresh water should Not be used.