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?

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 potent enough to penetrate human skin. Most people can handle them without experiencing any adverse effects.

However, it is always advisable to exercise caution when handling marine life. Some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation, so it’s best to gently observe them without direct contact, especially for those with known allergies.

While Velella velella are not dangerous, children and pets may be more sensitive to their stinging cells. It’s advisable to keep an eye on curious little ones and pets who might try to pick them up or ingest them. For pets, particularly dogs, ingestion of large quantities might lead to gastrointestinal upset.

For those with sensitive skin or known allergies, contact may cause mild irritation or a rash. In such cases, washing the affected area with soap and water usually alleviates any discomfort.