2024-04-26 09:36:49
Marine creatures in the shape of an oval disk, topped by a vertical crest that resembles the sail of a hull. The description tells what the inhabitants of Ostia found on the beaches of the Lido. In recent days, the coasts of Lazio have been characterized by strong sea currents and impetuous waves that have washed dozens of these creatures onto the coastal dunes, arousing the curiosity of those who were walking along the seashore.
What is it about?
This is a type of scientifically named jellyfish velella velella, also known by the common name of “St. Peter’s boats”. According to experts, this is a usual phenomenon, traveling with sea currents. They are often mistaken for fragments of bottles or mussel shells, but they are hydrozoans and, just like sailing boats, they float on the water driven by the winds until they beach when the currents direct them towards the coast”.
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In recent years the extent of strandings has increased significantly; Various causes have been attributed to the phenomenon, such as greater controls on discharges into the sea and therefore less marine pollution. Another cause has been attributed to the disappearance of the sea turtle which was one of the major predators of the velelle. Each specimen represents a clot of microorganisms which are in no way harmful even to the touch.
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