British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Species Glossary - Portuguese Man o' War - definition

Translation:

The Portuguese Man o' War looks like a jellyfish, but in fact it isn't! It is made up of a group of small animals that work together like a team, which are called Polyps. Some of these animals catch food, some eat it and some protect the group. On top it has a bluish-purple balloon filled with gas. Floating on the ocean it cannot choose where to go, instead it is moved by the wind and current. When it senses danger the Portuguese Man o' War can retreat underwater for a short period of time. On the underside it has long tentacles that can grow up to 20 to 30m in length. These tentacles are dangerous, even if they become detached their sting is very painful and sometimes fatal!