Guernsey cnidaria

hydrozoa (hydroids), scyphozoa (jellyfish), and Alcyonaria (soft corals, sea fans, & sea pens)

More images of sea anemones (actiniaria) can be seen in the Belle Greve Bay gallery at http://sealord.smugmug.com/gallery/3514797#133517495

Images of jewel anemones, plumose anemones and elegant anemones, Sagartia elegans, can be viewed in the QE II marina gallery at http://sealord.smugmug.com/gallery/3514775#102060423

Images of a large number of beadlet anemones can be seen in the Sark Caves gallery at http://sealord.smugmug.com/gallery/3514757#195151167

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By-the-wind-sailor, Velella velella

The by-the-wind sailor, Velella velella, is a colonial hydroid in the phylum cnidaria. By-the-wind sailors possess a thin, almost flat oval chitinous float with a vertical fin-like sail attached diagonally across the top of the float. Tentacles, which possess weak stinging cells, surround the central mouth underneath the float.

This image is taken of the underside of the edge of the float and shows some of the tentacles that ring the mouth.

This species occasionally shows up on Guernsey's west coast beaches usually during the Autumn / Fall when south-westerly winds bring them into the English Channel. Occasional we see them on Guernsey's east coast during a period of easterly wind.

Photographed on the 12 December 1999.

File No. 121299 33-353
©RLLord
sealordphoto@gmail.com or sealord@me.com

by the wind sailor Velella velella planktonic plankton drifter Guernsey wildlife Guernsey marine life Guernsey species autumn arrival ocean wanderer cnidaria cnidarian tentacles marine invertebrate invertebrate wildlife macro photography nature animal species aquatic underwater ocean life marine species marine life English Channel species Atlantic species European species British marine life British marine species blue tentacles stinging tenatcles colonial animal velellidae athecata solitary hydranth chitonous float hydroid hydrozoa Channel Islands marine life Channel Islands marine species

Sealord photography's biodiversity images began with a focus on international commercial seafood species and the marine life of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Great Britain.

Sealord photography has a growing collection of digital images covering climate change, the environment and sustainability issues.

Sealord photography also covers the Guernsey community and particularly the fund raising activities of Guernsey charities as part of the island's social sustainability.

The fish, shellfish and marine life images would not be possible if it were not for the generosity of commercial and recreational fishermen in Guernsey, and seafood suppliers at various trade shows in the USA, and wholesalers at Fulton Fish Market in New York City.

Many marine biologists have helped identify or confirm the identity of marine species photographed. These people have been mentioned when possible.

Please email: sealord@me.com or sustainableguernsey@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments about Sealord photography. Thank you. Richard Lord

Thank you for visiting Sealord photography on Smugmug.

Sealord photography focuses on three themes:

Biodiversity with an emphasis on marine life

Sustainability relating to construction & urban development; energy; food; transport; and waste.

The Guernsey community

Guernsey cnidaria