Thousands Of These Ocean Animals Wash Up On SoCal Beaches

VENTURA COUNTY, CA — Thousands of velella velellas — also known as “By-the-Wind Sailors" — recently washed ashore in Ventura County.

Channel Island Harbor posted photos of the thousands of ocean creatures on its Facebook page on April 16, noting the velellas had washed ashore around the harbor and on Kiddie, Silver Strand and Hollywood beaches.

Velellas are related to jellyfish, sea anemones, coral and hydroids, according to the National Park Service. They are about 3-4 inches long and have a triangular sail and stinging tentacles that are rarely harmful to humans. The creatures live on the surface of the water.

“The name 'by-the-wind-sailor' is really a misnomer for this little animal. Velella don't actively navigate using their sail, although they are at the mercy of the winds as to where they go,” according to the park service.

“When the prevailing winds shift, such as during a storm, the Velella are driven towards the coast, where they often are stranded on beaches in great numbers. As the Velella dries out on the beach, it becomes brittle and transparent, looking like a cellophane candy wrapper.”