Velella [Velella]

Description

Velella is a genus of free-floating hydrozoans in the family Limnomedusae, known for its only species, Velella velella, commonly referred to as the 'by-the-wind sailor'. These organisms are characterized by a flat, oval, translucent float, which is blue in color and has a small sail projecting from its top, allowing them to be driven by the wind across the sea surface. Velella velella is found in warm and temperate oceans worldwide. They feed on planktonic organisms, caught with their dangling tentacles beneath the float.

Species

By-the-wind sailor [Velella velella]

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Taxonomy