Group Pushes Name Change for Portuguese Man-of-War

An organization that fights for the proper naming of marine life is pushing for a name change for the Portuguese Man-of-War, the jellyfish-like floating creature known to crowd Maui beaches after full moons.

The Pacific Aquarists Society is exploring applications or paperwork needed to change the name of the creature to the Portuguese Warship-Like Fish-of-War.

"It just makes sense since it's much more accurate," said Sinny Bhattacharyya, director of forward planning for the nonprofit Society, based in Guam. "The name was chosen long ago, before being politically correct became so popular."

The now-Portuguese Man-of-War is known for its balloon-like float that bobs above the ocean's surface, which holds numerous long tentacles that paralyze small fish by catching and stinging them. They have been known to sting adults, too, either while swimming offshore, or walking a beach.

"Especially now during this Cancel Culture thing, we couldn't believe they would let this antiquated fish name stand," said Nathaniel de Guzman, president of the organization's board of directors.

No paperwork has been filed as of yet, but Society officials have been publicly touting the idea for many months now.

For Maui, both locals and visitors alike wonder what all the fuss is about.

"It's been a Man-of-War my entire life, and I've never heard anyone ever complain about it," said Aaron Fishbone of Kihei, while longboarding at The Cove. "I've heard complaints about stepping on one on the beach, but never about the name."

"Don't people have more important things to focus their energy on, like ending the pandemic, or addressing inflation?' asked Emma Johansson of San Francisco.

Society officials estimate the name-change process to take about two years. Meanwhile, the organization continues to investigate questionable fish names, including Hammerhead Shark, Angelfish, Blowfish, Gobies, Squirrelfish, Tangs, and Triggerfish.

"I mean, Gobies, come on!" de Guzman said. "Can you imagine how much they get teased in school?"