In south Florida at this time of year we see lots of beached Portuguese man-o-wars. They can sting like a jellyfish, but are actually a “colony” of 4 separate polyps that all live together. Often just the bladder remains, but sometimes they’ll still have their full array of tentacles, which can reach 10 feet (and will most definitely still sting you if you touch them)
When I was a kid I thought they were balloons and tried to pick one up until it stung me. Brutal for a young child who thought the world was safe to explore
You can actually touch the bladder part, but the tentacles pack a punch. I’ve been stung twice including once when I stepped on one on the beach. It’s like a horrible combination of fire and electricity. 0/5 do not recommend.
Pain balloons
