Mysterious Blue Creatures Invade California Coastline.

Thousands of Velella velella, tiny disc-like colonial hydrozoans also known as by-the-wind sailors, are washing up on California beaches due to recent storms and ocean currents. These creatures rely completely on wind and ocean currents to move around and lose their striking blue hue once they die onshore. Marine biologist Julianne Kalman Passarelli explains that Velella velella are colonies of animals with different purposes, and their sail is made of chitin, the same material as crustacean exoskeletons. While not toxic, they can cause irritation, so it's best not to touch them.