Blue bottle jellyfishwhat are blue bottle jellyfish?While known as the Blue Bottle jellyfish in Australia, in other parts of the world they are called the much more ominous sounding ‘Man-o-war’. Biologists do not consider them to be 'true' jellyfish, but they are classified as a hydrozoid. These animals are in fact a colonial organism, rather than individual jellyfish. They are seen floating on the surface of the water like a tiny blue bag. Because of their blue tinge and the fact that they float atop the surface of the water, blue bottle jellyfish are often more noticeable than many other of the ‘true’ jellyfish. where do I find blue bottle jellyfish?Or I guess the question is, how cam I avoid blue bottles? These jellyfish are inhabitants of the open ocean. Thus, they are found throughout the tropical and temperate seas of the world.
I have seen them in the tropics of the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia,to the shores of New Zealand's north island.
What should I do if stung by a blue bottle jelly fish?'Blue Bottles' are not generally considered fatal, however, their stings can be very painful, especially to children. The stings often leave large welts on the skin. The affected areas should be treated with ice packs. Blue Bottles are commonly seen washed up on shore. Even though they may be dead, it is wise to leave these alone, as the stinging cells can still discharge upon contact.
a field guide to creatures of the open ocean surfaces: "Ocean Surfaces of Australasia"
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