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By-the-wind sailor

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean · Indian Ocean · Pacific Ocean · Caribbean Sea

Nicknamed the sea sailboat, the By-the-wind sailor catches the eye with its blue colour and small translucent sail. Carried by the wind, it sometimes forms immense surface gatherings. Its tentacles catch plankton, making it an inconspicuous but important link in marine life.

Habitat of By-the-wind sailor Habitat
Open water
Depth range of By-the-wind sailor Depth
0-0 m
Biological group of By-the-wind sailor Group
Ecological role of By-the-wind sailor Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The By-the-wind sailor is a small floating marine organism, often nicknamed a ‘sea sailboat’. Its flattened, translucent body with bluish reflections carries a thin rigid sail set at an angle. This structure allows it to drift over the water surface using the wind. Its size generally varies between 2 and 7 centimetres.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives at the surface in the open sea, carried by winds and currents. It occurs in many temperate areas, particularly the Mediterranean. Under favourable conditions, it may be brought towards the coast in large numbers, sometimes washing ashore en masse.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The By-the-wind sailor catches small planktonic prey with tentacles beneath its body. These tentacles bear stinging cells that immobilise prey before ingestion. It is harmless to humans.

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By-the-wind sailor

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Predatory species

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DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE