The Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) is a marine creature known for its striking appearance and potent sting. Despite its name, it’s not a single animal but a colonial organism made up of four specialized polyps that work together. These include:

1. The Float: A gas-filled bladder that keeps the organism afloat.
2. The Tentacles: Long, venomous tentacles that can reach up to 30 meters (about 100 feet) long. These are used for capturing prey and defense.
3. The Gonads: Responsible for reproduction.
4. The Gastrozooids: Polyps that digest the food captured by the tentacles.

The Portuguese man o’ war’s sting can be extremely painful and cause serious reactions in some cases, so it’s important to be cautious if you encounter one.