Mysterious blob-like sea creatures washed up along the coastline of Southern California.
Beachgoers were shocked to find the blue, sticky creatures on the sand on beaches between Ventura and San Diego on Monday.
A number of blobs were spotted on Newport Beach and Long Beach as scientists said strong ocean currents and winds brought them to shore.
Many users took to social media to share photos of the unique finds and were impressed with how the creatures got there.
‘They are wonderful animals. They’re like aliens or something that’s invaded our beaches, but they won’t be here for long,” said Bruno Pernet, professor of biological sciences at California State University Long Beach. KTLA5.
Mysterious blob-like sea creatures washed up along the coastline of Southern California
Many users took to social media to share photos of their unique finds and were impressed with how they got there
The creatures, known as Velella Veellla, or “wind sailors,” are known to wash up along Southern California in the spring due to powerful storms
The creatures, known as Velella Veellla, or “By-the-Wind Sailors,” are known to wash up along Southern California in the spring due to powerful storms.
They have a sail on their tips that can blow them across the ocean, leaving them at the mercy of currents and wind.
Scientists have advised beachgoers to avoid the creatures because they are related to jellyfish and have tentacles that can leave a mild sting.
Although experts exercise caution, Velella Veellla is not considered dangerous to humans.
The By-the-Wind Sailors are also known as colonial hydroids, similar to the Portuguese Man O’War, which feed on algae and zooplankton.
The Portuguese Man O’War are venomous marine animals that usually cause problems for surfers in the Pacific Ocean.
Scientists have advised beachgoers to stay away from the creatures because they are related to jellyfish and have tentacles that can leave a mild sting.
The By-the-wind sailors are also known as colonial hydroids and resemble the Portuguese Man O’War, which feeds on algae and zooplankton
Upon their arrival in recent weeks, another creature was pleased to discover an influx of Velella Veellla.
Angelfish, also known as Mola mola, are known to feast on the small jellyfish-like creatures and in recent days they have also been spotted munching on them.
Other marine animals also enjoy the wind sailors, including sea turtles and seabirds, but Pernet says most predators tend to pass on them because of their size and venom.
“Beautiful little creatures,” said someone online.
“Nothing to worry about, just nature,” wrote another.
Last year, thousands of Velella Veellla were discovered on the beaches of Southern California.
At the time, Dana Wharf Whale Watching, which operates off the coast of Dana Point, California, said they had seen “hundreds” of sailors in the water.
“Look for them at the beach,” Nona Reimer, a science teacher, said in an Instagram video as she picked one up with her fingers. “They’ll be washing on the shore soon.”
‘You may come across a fresh wash of Velella, turning the coastline blue, but if they have been there for a while they will look like wrinkled and dry ovals of cellophane,’ Point Reyes National Seashore posted online.
In Huntington Beach, Marine Safety Battalion chief Doug Leach said hundreds had been spotted along the coastline.
Ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, are known to feast on the small jellyfish-like creatures and in recent days they have been spotted munching on them
Velella Veellla washed up on a beach in Ramatuelle, southeastern France on April 12, 2024
“We’ve got a lot of them, especially north of the pier, all along the high tide line when the tide was going out this morning,” Leach told the OC register.
Close-wind sailors are so called because of their semi-circular fins that grow to the right or left.
The fins guide the animal across the water whichever direction the wind blows, increasing the survival of the species.
‘Some of the population goes to the left, another part to the right. When the wind blows to push everyone onto the beach, half will go offshore and the other half will go on land,” toxicology professor Jamie Seymour said. Yahoo News.
“Twenty to thirty years ago it probably would have been unusual to see them. Nowadays that is certainly not the case.’
Between 2014 and 2016, millions of people may have washed up on beaches across the state.
It drew curious beachgoers to the sand to see them up close, although they are known to live in warmer tropical waters off Baja California, Mexico.
The transparent creatures can grow up to 10 cm in length, but are usually smaller in size. They are part of the Cnidaria group, which includes jellyfish and corals.
Once the creatures are stranded on the beach, they can disintegrate and die, becoming food for birds.