Indigo is a colour of blue and blue is the colour of this animals tentacles.
On a recent trip down the coast of northern NSW I stumbled upon some blue bottles (Portuguese man o’wars) lying in wait on the sand as the tide was going out. Not a lot in number that you would keep a watchful eye but just enough that they surprised you as you nearly trod on one. Their long tentacles are venomous and can give you a very nasty sting. A fascinating almost beautiful creature with a deadly indigo tail.
Crystal clear sac filled with gas to float on the water, these creatures have no propulsion and are at the mercy of the winds, tides and currents of the ocean. This species are responsible for up to 10,000 human stings per year in the Australian summer. We have a healthy respect for them.
So indigo this week is deadly but alluring.
For more Indigo photographs please go to Jennifer Wells’ website. Jennifer hosts this challenge each week with a different colour to challenge us with.
daysandmonths 
So glad we don’t have them down here in Tas. Beautiful blue curls though 🙂
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Really is it too cold for them? You learn something new every day.
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I guess it is the cold – not really sure.
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Random marine science fact: This is not only one animal but it is a colony of several hundred individuals that are specialized to preform a certain task e.g. there are individuals responsible for feeding and for floating and for reproduction 🙂 I never saw one of this species for real but I would love to… I am fascinated by the Siphonophora 🙂
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Yes, they are beautiful but their sting is very painful. A long time ago when my son was out surfing, he came running out of the ocean yelling that he had one stuck to his neck even though he had a full body suit on. A lifeguard removed it and then poured some vinegar on the welt which had already started to appear; the vinegar seemed to ease the pain.
Pretty to look at, but nasty if you get one on you! You got a good shot of one.
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Thanks Barb. Wished i had a macro on though. Yes i can only imagine the pain. Never do I want to experience it.
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Beautiful, when I first saw this image, I thought it was a rose or flower of some sort. Great composition and really nicely seen! 🙂
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Thanks Katie. Wished it was sharper but didn’t carry a macro.
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For me it has a sort of abstract look to it with the texture of the sand and the squiggly line of the tentacle. I don’t think the fact that it is not pin sharp (and it is still fairly sharp!) detracts from it at all. 🙂
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Wow, I’ve never seen indigo blue jellyfish, I’d love to see what they look like floating in the water but I realise that’s a bit above and beyond the call of blogging duty!! Great photo nonetheless!
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haha I hadn’t thought about a water shot hmm, maybe one day when I have a Gopro and protective armour 🙂 Thanks Lizbert.
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It was just a thought, I wouldn’t want you getting hurt for the sake of blogging!! Keep the posts coming!
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I’m not that adventurous don’t worry. Thanks for your fun feedback Lizbert 🙂
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poor things!! Beautiful photo Kaz!
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oops the anonymous was me!!
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Haha very mysterious Cybele 🙂
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Fab, how cool is that. Now i can see why it hurt 6-year-old me so badly!! Love the texture of the sand with the smooth shiniess of the BB.
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Ouch Desley how that must have hurt
Did you use vinegar and did it work. How traumatic!
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I screamed. And screamed. My dad sprinted to the rescue and I don’t know what happened next (I was 6 😄). I am pretty sure I remember Mum saying they used vinegar. I am still very wary of swimming in Queensland waters!
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Nasty piece of work but very intriguing… Nice shot, Kaz!
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haha that’s a good description Katrina, yes it is nasty, and thanks 🙂
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