TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Authorities have issued a public warning following sightings of the highly venomous Portuguese man o’ war along northern Taiwan’s beaches.
The Tourism Administration’s northern division confirmed the reports after the species was observed in the area. Often mistaken for a plastic bag due to its translucent, balloon-like appearance, the Portuguese man o’ war can deliver painful and potentially dangerous stings—even from a severed tentacle or after the organism has died.
Known as one of the most venomous marine creatures, it poses a serious risk, particularly to those unfamiliar with its appearance and threat. Officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid any direct contact with both live and stranded specimens.
Wu Chien-chih (吳建志) of the administration said only scattered sightings have been recorded along the northern coast. While patrols have been increased as a precaution, there have been no additional sightings in recent days.
Though authorities stress there is no need for panic, beachgoers are advised to stay alert and exercise caution during coastal and water activities.
Often misidentified as a jellyfish, the Portuguese man o’ war is actually a siphonophore—a colonial organism closely related to jellyfish. It typically inhabits tropical and subtropical oceans and is driven by wind and ocean currents. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these creatures can sometimes drift ashore in groups of over 1,000.
Stings can leave painful red welts lasting two to three days and may cause allergic reactions, fever, nausea, respiratory issues, and even complications affecting heart and lung function. In rare cases, stings can be fatal.
Fatal incidents involving the Portuguese man o’ war are extremely rare, though notable examples include a cardiovascular collapse in Florida in 1987 and a suspected anaphylactic reaction in Sardinia in 2010.
The Tourism Administration advises that anyone stung should carefully remove remaining tentacles and seek medical attention immediately. Antihistamines may help reduce inflammation, but prompt treatment is essential.
