The Portuguese caravel, that creature with its unique shapes and disturbing reputation on many beaches, has just been rewritten in the pages of marine biology. What until now was considered a natural phenomenon of a single species, actually hides a surprising genetic diversity which has come to light thanks to an ambitious international study with Spanish participation.
The scientific analysis, led by experts from the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-UPO-JA) and the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC), has revolutionized the traditional view of the Portuguese man-of-war, showing that it is four different species distributed across the planet. This discovery not only changes the way we understand this peculiar colonial hydrozoan, but also opens the door to much more precise environmental management.
A global discovery: how species were differentiated
The breakthrough comes from research published in the journal Current Biology, in which the genome of 151 specimens was sequenced collected in different oceans, along with careful analysis of more than 4.000 photographs contributed by iNaturalist users and naturalists from around the world. Thanks to this immense field and laboratory work, scientists have been able to confirm the existence of four distinct lineages: Physalia physalis, Physalia utriculus, Physalia megalista y Physalia minuta.
This integrative approach, in which marine biologists, geneticists and amateur citizens have collaborated, has made it possible to detect morphological and genetic differences that until now had gone unnoticed.
What are the Portuguese caravels really?
Contrary to popular belief, They are not jellyfishThe Portuguese man-of-war belongs to the group of hydrozoans and is, in fact, a colony of small specialized organisms who, working as a team, act and move as if they were a single being. Their most well-known identifying mark is the gelatinous float in the form of a sail, visible on the sea surface and used to move at the mercy of the wind and currents.
One of the characteristics that makes it so feared among bathers and fishermen is the presence of stinging cells on its tentacles, capable of causing painful bites While rarely fatal, they can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The Portuguese man-of-war can grow to several meters in length, with tentacles that reach surprising lengths and remain dangerous even when the animal is on the sand.
Distribution and differences between species
The Portuguese man-of-war was traditionally considered to be a single species spread across all warm oceans, but this idea has been disproved by the recent study. Each of the four identified species presents own geographical distributions and some notable differences in size and features. For example, Physalia physalis It is the most abundant in Spanish waters, with large individuals, while Physalia minuta It is only a few centimetres long and was found in New Zealand.
The study shows that Oceanic colonies are not as uniform as previously thought. and that there are natural barriers, such as currents and wind zones, that favor genetic differentiation between populations. A curious fact is that three of the species recognized today were already described centuries ago by naturalists, but until now there was no conclusive evidence to differentiate them.
Implications for conservation and environmental management
This advance represents a major step forward for the management and protection of marine biodiversity. Understanding that the Portuguese man-of-war actually includes four species allows for the development of more appropriate conservation strategies and, for example, the identification of local populations that may require specific measures.
Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of citizen collaboration In science: thousands of images contributed by amateurs have been essential to detecting the true diversity of this organism. Laura Prieto, researcher and expert in the study of hydrozoans, states that “This research transforms our understanding of marine connectivity and can be key to improving the management and conservation of these species and their habitats.”
The discovery was made possible thanks to an international effort and advances in genetics, which have validated long-held taxonomic hypotheses. These discoveries invite us to reconsider how we perceive the oceans, showing that their biodiversity is much greater than we thought and that there are still surprises beneath the surface.
The identification of several species of Portuguese man-of-war enriches scientific knowledge and requires adaptation of beach monitoring, prevention, and protection policies. Now, authorities, beachgoers, and the scientific community have more precise data to identify risks and understand the ecological role of these fascinating organisms, which are no longer a feared rarity but a symbol of oceanic complexity.
