Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms in the area: Physalia sp.—Hartt 1868.

Remarks: Species redescribed by Bardi & Marques (2007).

Distribution in South America: Pacific Ocean, Chile, from 18ºS to 45ºS (Moyano & Valdovinos 1984; Araya et al. 2015), Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) (Leloup 1935; Fagetti 1958); Atlantic Ocean, Brazil to Argentina, from 0º to 40ºS (Mianzan & Girola 1990; Freitas et al. 1995; Pugh 1999; Migotto et al. 2002; Haddad et al. 2002; Bardi 2005; Bardi & Marques 2007; Haddad Jr. et al. 2010; Silveira & Morandini 2011; Araujo 2012).

Habitat: pleustonic species, commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters (Alvariño 1971; Pagès & Gili 1992; Pugh & Gasca 2009; Araujo 2012). In Pacific coast it is most frequent in coastal waters in the northern and central zone during the El Niño events.