Spain: Stinging Bluebottles Invade Mediterranean

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | May 6th, 2009 | Trackback

Portuguese Men o’ War (a.k.a. bluebottles) have been spotted in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain for the first time in a decade. The jellyfish-like creatures congregate in swarms and live at the surface, moving only with the wind, currents and tides. Their stings cause severe pain and red welts that can last for two to three days. Other serious effects sometimes occur including fever, shock, and lung and heart problems. Some people have allergic reactions to the toxin, which can remain potent in dead animals washed up on the beach sometimes for days. The swarms have been spotted off the Murcian resort of San Pedro del Pinatar on the Costa Calida and marine biologists are concerned that they could soon colonize the Balearic Islands and move toward the Catalan coast.

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