Found thousands of these translucent blue, plastic-looking ovals washed up on the beach today. They have a stiff fin on top and blue jelly underneath. Are they dangerous?

on top. This sail is oriented diagonally, which helps them harness the wind for movement.

Their blue color is also a notable feature, ranging from bright cobalt to a more subdued navy. Unlike the notorious Portuguese Man o’ War, which Velella are sometimes mistaken for, they lack the long, trailing tentacles that are characteristic of other stinging cnidarians.

Velella velella are generally considered harmless to humans. While they do possess nematocysts, which are small stinging cells used for capturing prey, their sting is not