Velella Velella News

environment3 years ago•3 min saved

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.

via NPR|

#california #environment #hydrozoans

environment3 years ago•2 min saved

Massive numbers of by-the-wind sailors spotted on California beaches.

Millions of Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors, have washed ashore along Southern California's coast this week. Experts say this is a natural phenomenon caused by ocean currents and wind patterns. These hydrozoa feed on plankton and have a small sail that allows them to travel great distances across the world's oceans. They carry a toxin and have very little meat, making them unappealing to predators. The creatures will either rot away or be pulled back into the ocean by the tide.

via KTLA Los Angeles|

#california-coast #environment #marine-life

environment3 years ago•2 min saved

Massive influx of jelly-like creatures on California beaches potentially linked to El Niño.

Millions of Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors, have washed ashore along Southern California's coast this week. Experts say this is a natural phenomenon caused by ocean currents and wind patterns. These hydrozoa feed on plankton and have a small sail that allows them to travel great distances across the world's oceans. They carry a toxin and have very little meat, making them unappealing to predators. The creatures will either rot away or be pulled back into the ocean by the tide.

via KTLA Los Angeles|

#california-coast #environment #marine-life

environment3 years ago•1 min saved

Mysterious Jelly-Like Creatures Invade California Beaches

Thousands of jellyfish-like creatures known as Velella velella, or By-the-Wind Sailors, have washed ashore along the Southern California coast, including at Huntington Beach, Zuma Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Salt Creek Beach. By-the-Wind sailors are colonial hydroids, comprised of a colony of tiny creatures, and feed on algae and zooplankton. They are not considered dangerous to humans, but have stinging cells, so marine biologists advise people to avoid touching them.

via The Hill|

#beach #california #environment