Some holidaymakers or residents of Brittany may have seen them on the beaches. For a few days, thousands of small saucers with a bluish color wash up on the littoral surfaces of the Finistere or Morbihan. Michel Van Praët – professor emeritus specialist in cnidarians, former curator at the MNHN – explained to our colleagues from the Parisian that, far from being new, this presence is rare in such proportions, and probably due to global warming. Contrary to appearances, these are not jellyfish, but velella, an aquatic species with appearance similarities to gelatinous animals. Both are part of the same aquatic species, the cnidarians, but also have many disparities. The professor explains: “These are not exactly jellyfish but small colonial organisms close to the very stinging physalies.” Specifying: “Fortunately these are not physalia, which can be deadly…” The latter living in colonies are also called “The Portuguese Galley” where the “Sea Bladder.”
Vélelles: how to recognize them?
The velelles are oval in shape. They measure 6 cm in maximum length and are in the form of a blue ring. The central part is translucent and traversed by patterns in the shape of eggs, which are of decreasing size. In short, they resemble his flying saucers. As Professor Michel Van Praët explains, despite microscopic poisonous harpoons, they are not dangerous: “They can be stinging, but rarely”. However, it is not advisable to approach it too closely: “They will be in a state of rapid decomposition and eaten away by bacteria, so it is better to abstain. If there is contact in the water, it is important not to panic, but it is advisable to rinse thoroughly after And above all, do not rub your face or eyes!”