By-the-Wind Sailors, scientifically known as Velella velella, are small, blue organisms often found floating on the ocean’s surface or stranded on beaches. Resembling miniature sailboats, they often spark curiosity. Many wonder if they are “poisonous” or harmful. This article clarifies their nature and addresses concerns about interaction with humans and pets.
Characteristics of By-the-Wind Sailors
Velella velella have a distinctive appearance: a flat, oval-shaped float, blue or purple, topped by a translucent, triangular “sail.” This sail, about two inches high, is set diagonally across the float, propelling the organism across the ocean surface. Despite resembling jellyfish, By-the-Wind Sailors are not true jellyfish. They are colonial hydrozoans, a colony of specialized polyps functioning as a single, integrated organism.
They inhabit warm and temperate ocean waters worldwide, drifting at the surface. Their sail dictates movement, causing them to drift at an angle to the wind, distinguishing them from jellyfish that drift with currents. This wind-driven locomotion can lead to mass strandings on beaches, particularly during strong onshore winds or storms. By-the-Wind Sailors are carnivorous, feeding on small planktonic organisms like copepods and fish eggs, captured using stinging cells on their tentacles.
Are They Harmful to Humans or Pets?
By-the-Wind Sailors are not considered harmful or “poisonous” to humans. They have stinging cells, called nematocysts, on their tentacles, similar to true jellyfish. However, their toxins are typically too mild to penetrate human skin effectively or cause more than a slight, unnoticeable irritation for most individuals. Some people with highly sensitive skin might experience a mild itch or a temporary rash, but such reactions are rare and usually resolve quickly.
Direct contact with By-the-Wind Sailors is safe, and they do not pose a danger if touched briefly. Their sting is adapted for subduing small planktonic prey. For pets, particularly dogs, By-the-Wind Sailors are not toxic, but it is advisable to discourage them from ingesting any marine life found on the beach. Ingesting foreign material, even non-toxic organisms, can lead to mild digestive upset.
What to Do When You Find Them
When encountering By-the-Wind Sailors on the beach, observe them from a distance. While touching them is safe for most individuals, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact is a sensible precaution. This is especially recommended if you have sensitive skin or before touching your face, eyes, or mouth, to avoid any potential, mild irritation.
Avoid consuming By-the-Wind Sailors, and prevent pets from eating them. This recommendation stems not from their toxicity, but from a general precaution against ingesting unknown marine organisms that could cause digestive discomfort. These creatures are a natural part of the marine ecosystem, and their presence on beaches offers a unique opportunity for observation.