By-the-wind sailor [Velella velella]
Description
Velella velella is a free-floating hydrozoan that lives on the surface of the open ocean. It is commonly known as by-the-wind sailor due to its small, triangular sail that catches the wind and propels it across the water. It is usually blue in color and has a oval, disk-shaped body. The underside of the Velella is covered with tentacle-like appendages that are used for catching prey. This species is found in every ocean except the Arctic and Antarctic.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hydroids, Fire Corals, and Stinging Anemones
Hydrozoa
|
| Order |
Limnomedusae
Limnomedusae
|
| Family |
Limnomedusae
Limnomedusae
|
| Genus |
Velella
Velella
|