Several specimens of Portuguese man o’ war have been spotted of the coast of Almuñécar on Granada province’s Costa Tropical in recent days. Around four miles off the coast near Punta de La Mona, Physalia physalis was spotted. In March last year a specimen was found on the shore of San Cristóbal beach but no injuries to humans were reported.

Physalia physalis, often mistaken as a jellyfish, are actually siphonophores. They are closely related animals, with a blue or purple sail and sac between 15-30 cm in length that aids in flotation and navigation.

Portuguese man-of -wars are feared by many because their stinging, poisonous tentacles can reach a length of up to 40 metres. However, they usually reach a maximum of 10 metres. On contact, the toxin causes inflammation and burning, accompanied by painful lesions which can cause serious respiratory problems and heart issues in humans. Its true purpose is to paralyse fish that it feeds on.

In recent years, storms have dragged them along the Spanish coast. The climate change has led to a rise in sea temperatures and an increase in sunfish.

This problem is so serious that it has forced some coastal towns to temporarily close beaches. This is why, last summer, a number of municipalities along the Cantabrian coastline displayed the red flag.