The Parks Department has warned beach-goers to watch out for Portuguese man-o-war after 80 were removed from Horseshoe beach this week.

Regularly, but incorrectly, called a jellyfish, these blue/purple-coloured animals are actually a colony of organisms — four different polyps — and get their name from the uppermost polyp and gas-filled bladder.

The dangerous portion of the animal, and the second polyp, are the tentacles that can stretch as far as 100 feet in calm water.

Muscles in the tentacles draw prey up to a polyp containing the gastrozooids or digestive organisms. A fourth polyp contains the reproductive organisms.

Yesterday, the Department of Parks warned the public that large amounts of the animals are washing up on South Shore beaches and in the east end of the Island.

Over the last two days, several swimmers have been stung by the animals and required first aid.

A spokesperson said: "Swimmers are advised to use extreme care while swimming to avoid coming in contact with man-o-war."

Without the ability to propel themselves, Portuguese man-o-wars are beholden to the currents and the breeze for their movement.

Because of this, there is no way to tell when these animals will wash onto Bermuda's shores, said Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer, a research associate at the Bermuda Natural History Museum.

"They get moved and it's very, very unpredictable when they will arrive and where. People have to watch out," he said.

"They (Portuguese man-o-wars) are senseless and brainless and they are not out to get us because we are much too big for prey. But, of course, when those same tentacles that are poisonous get in contact with human skin, it inflicts a lot of pain. Even when dying or if dead they can still sting. The upper side of the bubble does not, but the tentacles can sting."

For more information contact the Department of Parks at 236-5902.

What to do if stung by a Portuguese Man-of-War:

1. Exit the water quickly and calmly to avoid going into shock.

2. Remove any tentacles from the skin with sea water or a towel.

3. Treat with hot water to sting area.

4. Remove any of the remaining tentacles by applying shaving cream with something like a tongue depressor stick or a credit card.

5. Finally treatment may consist of the application of one percent hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Please seek medical advice prior to use/application of this medication.