Although it is not at all common to find Portuguese caravels in Pitiusas waters, already in 2021 the CSIC and the Balearic Government warned of the possible arrival of these jellyfish species to the Balearic Sea from the Gulf of Cadiz.
That same year a specimen appeared on the beach of es Bol Nou (Sant Josep). Since then its presence has been sporadic in other parts of the island and Formentera. Today, some bathers have found a Portuguese caravel offshore very close to Cala Gracióin an area “where there were several children enjoying water sports and jet skis. But it hasn’t stung anyone,” explains a witness.
When you see a Portuguese caravel it is important not to approach, because although the visible part above the water is not very large, it has long tentacles that can measure up to more than 30 meters. Moreover, even if you find it in the sand and it is dead, you should know that they can continue to bite.
The danger of the Portuguese dogfish
The Portuguese Caravel (Physalia physalis), one of the most feared jellyfish because of its dangerous, painful and sometimes lethal stingsis in fact not a jellyfish but a colonial organism whose individuals share the tasks of navigating propelled by their characteristic sails, digesting the prey they capture with their long tentacles, detecting and capturing the latter as well as defending themselves from their predators or, last but not least, ensuring their survival by reproducing.
Its appearance is so characteristic that, once seen, it becomes unforgettable. Formed by a gelatinous candle of between 15 and 30 centimeters which allows it to move through the seas driven by winds, tides and currents. From its central body hang numerous tentacles with which they catch their prey and which, when extended, can reach a length of up to 50 meters, although most commonly they do not exceed ten meters.