For Decades I’ve walked the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Never have I laid eyes on a Man-o-War jellyfish (Physalia). But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist here. Lisa M. of Ohio has just sent me several photos she took of a number of Physalia she encountered between 30th Street in Holmes Beach and the Manatee County Public Beach pier between April 9th and 11th. Photos below:
Man-o-war (Physalia) found on Anna Maria Island, FL April 9, 2009. Photo by Lisa M. of Ohio.
Physalia found on Anna Maria Island, FL April 11, 2009. Photo by Lisa M. of Ohio.
I also received photos from Kendra G. of Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program of several Physalia she found on the beach in Sarasota on April 9th. Photo below:
Physalia found on Sarasota beach April 9, 2009. Photo by Kendra G. of Mote Marine Laboratory.
If you see these bad boys on the beach, DO NOT TOUCH! They can sting even when dead and dried-up.
Thank you to Lisa and Kendra for taking the time to write and send me these jellyfish pictures.
