Small, light-blue marine creatures are washing up by the millions on beaches and shores from Oregon to California, for the first time in years. These mysterious jellyfish-like animals are attracting tourists, who are traveling to see the unusual creatures. Velella velella is a distinctive creature, and is the only species in its genus. They are a form of hydrozoa, a type of small, meat-eating animal, related to jellyfish, that usually lives in salt water. Other lifeforms in this class of animals are freshwater jellies and the Portuguese man o' war. Velella velella live on the surface of the ocean, and possess a crest that runs along their bodies, which can act as a sail. Winds blowing onshore could be responsible for the animals coming onto the Pacific coast, according to researchers. Velella do not have fins, tails or other means of locomotion, so their travel is directly solely by currents in the water and wind. Read more http://www.techtimes.com/articles/1...llyfish-creatures-swarm-california-shores.htm
