Hundreds of mysterious sea creatures have been discovered on Welsh beaches, leaving locals puzzled. These beautiful blue animals are believed to be Velella Velella, commonly known as by-the-wind sailors, closely related to the Portuguese Man o’ War. They are typically found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
Residents along the coast of Anglesey and the west Gwynedd coast have reported seeing these crystal-like creatures in large numbers, with one woman in Barmouth mentioning hundreds of them on the beach. Beachgoers were surprised by the sudden appearance of these creatures, some describing them as resembling “alien jellyfish” and among the strangest things they have encountered on the shore.
Despite the unusual sight, these creatures are relatively common during autumn and winter. Marine expert Frankie Hobro from Anglesey Sea Zoo advised that while their sting is milder compared to the Portuguese Man o’ War, it is still wise not to touch them, especially on sensitive areas like the face or lips. She recommended being cautious when in the sea and avoiding direct contact with these creatures.
The by-the-wind-sailors are colonial hydroids, composed of a colony of tiny individual animals rather than a single organism, and not true jellyfish. These creatures, about 7cm long with a small sail, are carried by the wind, ending up in various locations by chance.
Frankie noted that the recent sightings in June are unusual, possibly due to weather patterns. The earlier and more frequent appearance of Portuguese Man o’ War alongside these creatures indicates the impact of climate change on ocean currents. This overlap raises concerns about marine life interactions and the effects of environmental changes on sea creatures.