These little sea creatures are called `` by-the-wind sailors '' ; the scientific name is Velella velella . The palm-sized creatures have a clear , distinctive fin sticking up from a blue , oval body . They can be found in all oceans and seas around the world but they prefer to live on coral reefs where there's plenty of food for them. By-the-wind sailors do sting to catch their food , but humans need not worry . They are now being spotted on beaches north of Los Angeles .
These little sea creatures are called `` by-the-wind sailors '' ; the scientific name is Velella velella . The palm-sized creatures have a clear , distinctive fin sticking up from a blue , oval body . They can be found in all oceans and seas around the world but they prefer to live on coral reefs where there's plenty of food for them. They are now being spotted on beaches north of Los Angeles .