Sep 13, 2021
Come sail away with this Velella velella in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary!
Vellela vellela, or the by-the-wind sailor, is a small, unique species of jellyfish that has a vertical sail atop its float, helping it to travel. This sail is oriented at a diagonal to the animalβs body axis, allowing it to take advantage of prevailing wind currents that push the animal across the sea.
Scientists have found that populations along the California coast tend to have sails oriented to the right, while populations farther west in the Pacific tend to have sails oriented to the left, reflecting differing wind patterns in their respective regions! (Photo: NPS. Image description: A Velella velella on a rock on shore.)
