1 Nov 2024

Critter of the Week: By-the-wind-sailor | katiaho rere

From Afternoons, 3:35 pm on 1 November 2024

This Sunday, November 3rd, is World Jellyfish Day, a time to celebrate these mysterious and wonderful gelatinous sea creatures. The katiaho rere or by-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella) are unique and fascinating marine critters that live on the sea surface, drifting here and there with the wind and waves. Katiaho rere are otherworldly looking: they have a disc-like electric blue body that sits on top of the water and a stiff, shimmery 'sail' that catches the wind.