Virginia Beach residents are reporting sightings of a unique marine creature: the "blue button." This comes shortly after reports of Portuguese man o' war sightings, adding to the unusual activity along the Virginia coastline.
What is a Blue Button?
Despite resembling a jellyfish, the blue button is actually a colonial hydrozoan, according to the Virginia Aquarium. Similar to the Portuguese man o' war, its vibrant blue bell floats on or near the water's surface and typically thrives in tropical waters. The bell can grow to 1-2 inches in diameter.
Julie Daniel Harshaw spotted two blue buttons during a beach walk near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and shared her finding, contributing to the growing number of sightings.
Why Are They Here?
The Virginia Aquarium suggests that recent southern winds are likely responsible for pushing these creatures further north than their typical habitat. Blue buttons, like man o' war, are at the mercy of currents and wind, lacking the ability to control their movement.
What Does This Mean?
The appearance of blue buttons and Portuguese man o' war in Virginia Beach serves as a reminder of the ocean's dynamic nature and the impact of weather patterns on marine life. While beautiful, it's important to observe these creatures from a safe distance.
- Keep a safe distance from these creatures.
- Avoid touching them, as some may have stinging cells.
- Report any sightings to local authorities or marine life centers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other unusual happenings in Virginia Beach!