Description: This free-floating hydrozoan lives at the surface of the ocean and has a flat, oval-shaped float which can be up to 100 mm in length, although they are more commonly 70 mm or smaller. There are tentacles hanging below this, running concentrically around the mouth. It has a stiff triangular fin running diagonally across the float. It sits above the surface and is used like a sail to catch the wind. They are usually a striking deep blue in colour and can often be found washed up on the shore in large numbers after stormy or windy weather. They may lose their colouration upon death and appear clear/colourless.

Habitat: Lives at surface of the open ocean but can be washed ashore by unfavourable winds or stormy weather.

Distribution: Recorded all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Oval shaped float.
• Stiff, triangular sail.
• Often a striking deep blue in colour.
• Can be washed ashore in large numbers.

Distribution Map from NBN: Velella velella at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Velella velella at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Velella velella

WoRMS: Velella velella at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Velella velella (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 117832.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Cnidaria; Medusozoa; Hydrozoa; Hydroidolina; Anthoathecata; Capitata; Porpitidae; Velella