MARANG – The species, whose feeding tentacles can go up to 160 feet long can sting even after they die.

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) of Malaysia has issued a warning after a a venomous jellyfish species has been seen washed up on shores of Malaysian beaches in the state of Terengganu recently.

The Physalia physalis, also known as the deadly Portuguese Man O’War jellyfish has a poisonous sting, which can be fatal.



The marine hydrozoan which is a new species of jellyfish was found in the shores of Pantai Pulau Kekabu in Marang, Pantai Rhu Sepuluh and Pantai Bari in Setiu by several Australian tourists who were at the beach.



“Apart from the 11 already dead along the beach, 10 more were found in the water. We have advised the locals including tourists to be careful and stay away from the water,” Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Captain Mohd Zabri said.

The species, whose feeding tentacles can go up to 160 feet long, are usually found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. Its tentacles contain thousands of “nematocysts” used for defence against predators. It’s powerful sting can cause severe pain to its victims. These deadly jellyfish can sting even after they die.