Hundreds of Velella Velella Wash Ashore on Welsh Coast as Currents and Storms Drive 7cm Colonies
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Hundreds of Velella Velella Wash Ashore on Welsh Coast as Currents and Storms Drive 7cm Colonies
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Summary
Hundreds of Velella velella have washed up on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Tenby, scattering bright blue by-the-wind sailors along parts of the Welsh coast.
About 7cm long, the free-floating hydrozoans cannot propel themselves and are often stranded together when ocean currents and storms push whole groups ashore.
Frankie Hobro of Anglesey Sea Zoo said the creatures are often mistaken for Portuguese man o' war but are smaller, brighter blue and generally far less harmful.
Their sting is usually mild, but Hobro warned people not to touch them because stinging cells can remain active even after they appear dead on the beach.