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Wednesday 29 March 2023 LOCAL
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Jellyfishes, casual visitors Episode CXCIX- 199

Destination values, native heritage, and cultural iden-
tity are what Etnia Nativa advocates for as its own par-
ticular way of safeguarding all reasons to love Aruba.
Through this cultural blog, “Island-Insight,” we share
awareness, educate, and safeguard native heritage.
It is how we encourage you to experiment with an is-
land-keeper state of mind during your stay.

To “thrive like a local,” you need to be informed, to
learn, to stay safe, and to be aware that nature can
be unforgiving. Jellyfish, or medusa, as they are known
in biology, are occasional ocean visitors that have
been spotted on various beaches on our island in re-
cent days. They are fascinating beings that captivate
us when in aquariums but make us run from the sea
when we are in direct contact with nature!

Although they are not the most primitive animals, it is
said that they keep the secret of evolution. There are
fossil records from the Primary Era (more than 500 mil-
lion years ago). They are from the Cnidarian group
and appeared before sponges. Most jellyfish live a few
miles offshore and only come close to shore with high
winds or strong currents. Jellyfish are not “hunters,” but
many carry special cells in their tentacles to immobilize
their small victims. The same that burn our bodies and to three days, although the pain should safe side, you better go see a doctor.
make us feel very sick when reacting to the poison car- subside after about 1 to 3 hours (de-
ried by different species. pending on the person’s biology). Medical attention may be necessary
to relieve pain or open the airways if
Despite not being a true jellyfish, the Portuguese man- However, the venom can travel to the the pain becomes excruciating, lasts
of-war (Physalia physalis) is often classified as a killer lymph nodes and cause symptoms that more than three hours, or if breathing
jellyfish. It should be noted that there are no killer jelly- mimic an allergic reaction, including becomes difficult. Cases in which bites
fish in our direct area; however, we can be very sensi- swelling of the larynx, blocked airways, completely encircle a young child’s
tive to their sting, which is very painful and only fatal in cardiac distress, and the inability to trunk are among those that have the
cases of allergy or very extreme exposure. breathe. Other symptoms can include potential to be fatal. However, Aruba is
fever, shock, and, in some extreme safe for now, and the main thing is to be
The truth is that each jellyfish is a unique animal, and in cases, death, although this is extremely aware and prudent.
the case of the Portuguese man of war, it is a floating rare.
colony made up of smaller, genetically identical enti- If you’re intrigued by Aruba`s native life-
ties that live and work in unison. We must be aware that dead speci- style and its cultural heritage do some-
mens, even a detached tentacle (those thing outside of the tourist grid. Become
At first glance, the Portuguese man-of-war is very strik- that wash ashore), can sting as painfully one of the exclusive visitors of Etnia Nati-
ing and even beautiful to look at, but it is better to as the living organism in the water and va, a private museum/home where you
keep a safe distance and never, under any circum- can remain potent for days after the or- will be able to touch and be touched
stances, touch one. It is partially transparent. It lacks ganism has died or the detached tenta- by authentic Aruba heritage, a spec-
a backbone and kills its prey with stinging tentacles. It cle has been in contact with one’s skin. tacle of native art, archaic as well as
feeds on small fish and plankton. archaeological artifacts, lithic tools, co-
You should never scratch or rub the af- lonial furniture, and other items of the
The bites cause intense pain to humans, leaving red, fected area with sand. Locals say that island’s bygone era.
whip-shaped welts on the skin that typically last two you must urinate on the stringed area;
it is thought to relieve hives. The “urti- Etnia Nativa is, since 1994, the home of
caria” is formed by jellyfish cells at the Anthony, our acclaimed columnist, art-
time of contact that adhere to our skin. ist craftsman, and island Piache, who
If those cells die, they stop emitting the guides and lectures you through his re-
toxic element. An acid, such as urine, splendent collection. Etnia Nativa is the
can neutralize them, although it is not only place that recreates and introduc-
the best solution. In this regard, acetic es you to an authentic glimpse into na-
acid rather than vinegar may be pref- tive cultural heritage. Something com-
erable. Also, a change in the salinity of pletely different for a change—a con-
the cells can cause the release of more temporary Native Aruba experience!
poison, just as occurs with urine or fresh Appointment is requiredWhatsapp +
water. Hence, only salty sea water can 297 592 2702 or etnianativa03@gmail.
provide slight relief. So to stay on the com q