Every year there are more and more sightings of Portuguese Carabela along the Spanish coast. If you don't want your day at the beach to end up in the emergency room, read on: you will discover how to recognize it, treat its bite and, above all, prevent it.
Real life experience: a bath in Cadiz that ended in a scare
"It was July, the water was calm and there was no purple flag. When I got out I felt a whiplash in my leg: immediately there was pain, redness and burning. I was told it was a Portuguese caravel..."
Stories like this are becoming more and more frequent in Andalusia, Levante and the Balearic Islands.
What is the Portuguese dogfish and why is it so itchy?
The Portuguese Caravel (Physalia physalis) is not a jellyfish, but a colonial hydrozoan.
- Blue float protruding up to 30 cm.
- Tentacles of more than 20 m with very powerful stinging cells.
- The sting causes acute pain, swelling and sometimes dizziness or allergic reactions.
Warning signs before entering the water
- Purple flag warnings or informational signs.
- Blue objects on the tide line.
- Testimonials on local networks or from the lifeguard.
First aid for Portuguese Carabella sting
| Step | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Immediately get out of the water | Avoid further contact with tentacles |
| 2 | Rinse with cold salt water | Fresh water releases more toxins |
| 3 | Remove debris with tweezers or card | Without rubbing, so as not to break nematocysts. |
| 4 | Apply local heat 40-45 °C ( 15 min) | Deactivates toxin and relieves pain |
| 5 | See a doctor if pain is severe or vomiting occurs. | Avoids systemic complications |
Myths you must forget
- Vinegar, urine or alcohol: may worsen the injury.
- Direct ice: contracts vessels and traps toxin.
- Scratching or rubbing: breaks more stinging cells.
How to prevent Portuguese Carabela stings
- Consult flags and the MedusApp app before you go.
- Avoid swimming after storms with an easterly wind.
- Wear a wetsuit or lycra on long trips.
- Apply a sunscreen that also acts as a barrier against jellyfish.
Jellyfish shield sunscreens
An option recommended by marine biologists are formulas that incorporate an active nematocyst inhibitor.
Jellyfish Sun SPF 50 combines:
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Patented* ingredient that reduces stinging discharge.
- Water resistance 80 min.
- Reef-safe formula suitable for children and sensitive skin.
*In vitro study, University of Vigo (2024).
Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese caravel
Is the Portuguese Caravel deadly?
In healthy adults it is not usually fatal, but the bite can trigger severe systemic reactions if left untreated.
Can it sting out of water?
Yes, the tentacles maintain their stinging power hours after being stranded in the sand.
What is the difference with a classic jellyfish?
The Portuguese caravel is a colonial organism and does not swim on its own; it moves at the mercy of the wind and currents.
Enjoy the sea safely
The sea is unpredictable, but being informed and protected is your best insurance. Before your next swim, check the conditions and apply Solar Jellyfish SPF 50: the only sunscreen on the Spanish market that protects your skin from the sun and reduces the risk of stings.
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