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Velella velella
A floating colonial hydrozoan made up of many genetically identical cells that perform different functions. The creature drifts on the surface of oceans and captures prey with specialized tentacles that contain stinging cells.
Found offshore during pelagic birding trip
4 Comments
These are so cool, and super gorge ;)
Good to sea. I have only ever found them on the beach.. probably expired.
Interesting! I did not notice any on the nearby beaches but I did observe quite a few of these floating around. Perhaps this El Nino year that has caused warmer water is favorable to the sailors.
Very neat! I just saw an article about the thousands of these washing up on California beaches right now!