Harmless
Velella Velella
Hydrozoa (Porpitidae)
Nicknamed "By-the-wind sailors", they drift with the wind thanks to their small sail. In spring, gales can wash millions of them onto beaches, forming a spectacular blue carpet on the sand.
Sting symptoms
Peut provoquer de légères rougeurs sur les peaux sensibles. Ne pas se frotter les yeux après manipulation.
Identification
Very small (a few centimeters). It looks like a bright blue, flat oval disk topped with a small, rigid, transparent triangular sail. It has short blue tentacles under the disk.
Size
Float: 4 to 8 cm (very small)
Habitat
Open seas, floats on the surface.
Scientific family
Hydrozoa (Porpitidae)
Community photos
Photos submitted and verified by Meduseo users.
10/04/2026
GavÃ
10/04/2026
GavÃ