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Strange, Blue Otherworldly Creatures are Washing Up on US Beaches

velalla velalla stranded on oregon beach

Along the rocky beaches of the US West Coast this spring, a scene straight out of a science fiction movie has unfolded. Blankets of alien-like blue creatures, known as Velella velella, have been washing ashore. These tiny colonies of organisms sport a sombrero-esque fin protruding from their tops and tentacles dangling below, resembling a celestial jellyfish. But what exactly are these they?

Contrary to their appearance as one organism, Velella velella are colonies of creatures from a class called hydrozoa, utilizing the wind to propel themselves across the ocean’s surface. They spend the majority of their lives drifting in the open ocean, their tentacles trailing beneath them to catch prey like fish larvae or zooplankton. Interestingly, they are harmless to humans, despite their tentacles possessing stinging capabilities.

The mesmerizing blue coloration of Velella velella has sparked curiosity among researchers. Some theories suggest it helps them blend with the waves to evade predators like the colossal mola mola ocean sunfish, while others propose it acts as a natural sunscreen against harsh UV rays. These creatures embark on extensive journeys across the Pacific gyre, traveling from the US West Coast to Central America, then onward to Japan and back again, akin to kite surfers skimming the ocean’s surface.

Despite their frequent appearances along coastal shores, Velella velella remain relatively understudied by scientists. Unlike jellyfish, which can be easily studied in captivity, Velella’s surface-dwelling nature and complex life stages pose challenges for researchers. However, ongoing investigations into their relationship with ocean temperatures offer valuable insights into their behavior and population dynamics.

The mass strandings of Velella velella are linked to oceanic conditions, with warmer winters potentially exacerbating these events. As our oceans continue to warm due to Climate change, it’s anticipated that more colonies of these charismatic blue sailors will make their way to shore, potentially impacting marine ecosystems in unforeseen ways.

While beachgoers revel in the beauty of these ephemeral creatures, it’s important to recognize the ecological implications of their presence. As predators of fish larvae and eggs, Velella velella may exert significant influence on marine food webs, potentially altering the population dynamics of important species like anchovies.