The Portuguese blubber jelly (Catostylus tagi) is endemic to the Portuguese coast and is most frequently seen around large estuaries such as those of the Tagus and Sado rivers.
In mid-summer, with high tides and favourable winds, they spread out across the ocean, attracting several species of sea turtles to the coast, such as leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), which feed exclusively on gelatinous animals. At an intermediate stage of their life, before they swim freely in the water column, they anchor themselves to the seabed. As a 2- to 3-mm polyp, they can remain attached to the sea floor for weeks or even months. After breaking free from the depths, the 3- to 4-mm diameter micro-animal soon grows into its familiar form.
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PORTUGAL - CTT Portugal Post - Philately Department
