Thousands of purple-colored creatures resembling jellyfish, called Velella velella or By-the-Wind Sailors, are being washed up on Southern California s beaches following strong storms.
Look, but don’t touch. That’s the message from marine biologists as Southern California sees an influx of jellyfish-like creatures known as Velella velella, or By-the-Wind Sailors. On Saturday, Dana Wharf Whale Watching posted a video of the strange, purple blobs that travel with the ocean currents and winds. Beachgoers say they are washing ashore by […]
'Brilliant blue creatures' are invading beaches across California. Here's what you need to know about Velella velella, also known as By-the-Wind Sailors.
By-the-Wind sailors are known as colonial hydroids, meaning they’re comprised of a colony of tiny creatures, similar to the Portuguese Man O'War. The animals aren't classified as jellyfish, despite their jelly-like appearance.