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Velella is a cosmopolitan genus of free-floating hydrozoans that live on the surface of the open ocean. Velella is commonly known by the names sea raft, by-the-wind sailor, purple sail, little sail, or simply Velella. Currently the only known and identified species is the Velella velella. These small cnidarians are part of a specialised ocean surface community which includes the better-known cnidarian siphonophore, the Portuguese Man o' War. Like other Cnidaria, Velella are carnivorous. They catch their prey, generally plankton, by means of tentacles that hang down in the water and bear cnidocysts (also called nematocysts). Though the toxins in their nematocysts are effective against their prey, Velella are harmless to humans, either because their nematocysts are unable to pierce our skin, or perhaps because humans do not react to the toxins encapsulated in their nematocysts. Nevertheless, it is wise to avoid touching one's face or eyes after handling Velella.
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