In recent days, a specimen of Physalia physalis, the Portuguese Man o’ War, has been reported. The sighting occurred in Italy, near Favignana, in the Egadi Islands.
This is not the first time this species has been observed in the Mediterranean Sea: in recent years, this tropical species has been reported mainly in Sardinia, the Pelagie Islands, and along the Messina coast.
According to experts from ISPRA, the Portuguese Man o’ War “is a colonial hydrozoan of Atlantic origin, which can reach the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar, carried by currents.”
The species is easily recognizable thanks to its pneumatophore, a floating structure visible on the surface. Its long tentacles are highly venomous, which is why avoiding contact is essential.
Any sightings can be reported by providing photographic or video documentation to the local Marine Protected Areas or via an email dedicated to alien species: alien@isprambiente.it
Photo: AMP Isole Egadi e Ambrogio Pecorilla