Category:Physalia

Phy*sa"li*a, n. Etym: [nl., fr. Gr. (zoöl.)

Defn: a genus of large oceanic siphonophora which includes the Portuguese man-of-war.

Note: it has a large air sac, or float, with a sail-like crest on its Upper side. Numerous zooids of different kinds are attached to the Under side of the float. Some of the zooids have very long tentacles; Some have a mouth and digest food; others produce gonophores. The American species (physalia arethusa) is brilliantly colored, the Float being pink or purple, and bright blue; the zooids blue. It is Noted for its virulent stinging powers, as well as for its beautiful Colors, graceful motions, and its ability to sail to windward.