Cornwall - Misc.
By-the-wind-sailor - "Velella Velella "
A Pelagic Hydroid - blown ashore , after Gales , at Cape Cornwall.
The hydroid travels with the aid of a buoyant bluish purple float containing a horny skeleton
with a triangular sail attached.
Below the float are modified Zooid .
A central feeding Zooid ,surrounded by reproductive Zooid - stalks with mouth openings that bud medusa .
Released these form eggs and sperm to produce free swimming Larva .
At the periphery a ring of Zooid - short hollow stinging tentacles that catch fish, eggs , plankton ,...
Ref: 2620
Date: 09/12/2015
Location: Cape Cornwall