DSC_5208 By-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella) dried sails amongst Janthina shells in drift. These free-floating hydrozoans live on the surface of the open ocean. Their most obvious feature is a small stiff sail that catches the wind and propels them over the surface of the sea. In summer they may be stranded by the thousand on beaches. Pakiri Beach
DSC_5210 By-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella) a free-floating hydrozoan that lives on the surface of the open ocean. Their most obvious feature is a small stiff sail that catches the wind and propels them over the surface of the sea. In summer they may be stranded by the thousand on beaches, such as here. There is only one known species. Pakiri Beach *
DSC_4958 'Lions mane' jellyfish (Desmonema gaudichaudi) are named for their red-gold colour, and mass of hair-like tentacles. This one is a cold-water circumantarctic species. Pelagic, but occurs in inshore waters. This jellyfish gives a severe sting, even after being stranded onshore for a long time. Another lion's mane, found in more temperate NZ waters, can grow 2m in diameter, with tentacles rumoured to reach 60m long! Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island