Visitors to a popular beach in San Diego have recently discovered shimmering purple shells scattered along the sand. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography identified these as Janthina, a rare species of pelagic sea snail known for its vibrant violet hue and bubble-like flotation system.
Oceanographer Anya Stajner stumbled upon these rare creatures during a walk along La Jolla Shores beach. “When I saw it on the beach, I instantly knew what it was, but I was in complete shock,” Stajner told the Los Angeles Times. This marks the first time in a decade that Scripps researchers have spotted these snails on local beaches.
Janthina snails typically inhabit subtropical to tropical seas, and their presence along the Southern California coast often coincides with warmer offshore waters. Stajner noted that the day she found the snails, the water was notably warm, raising questions about potential links to climate change.
These snails are not only striking in appearance but are also voracious predators, feeding on creatures like the Velella velella and Portuguese man o’ war. Stajner collected about 10 snails for further examination at the university’s Pelagic Invertebrate Collection.
If beachgoers spot Janthina snails, Stajner urges them to take photos and send them to Scripps for research purposes. However, she reminds the public that certain beaches, such as La Jolla Shores, are designated “no take areas,” where removing living creatures is prohibited.
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