Rare Purple Sea Creature Spotted on SoCal Beach — Could Warming Waters Be the Cause?

A Rare Encounter with Violet Snails on Southern California Shores

Oceanographer Anya Štajner was taking a peaceful sunset walk along La Jolla Shores when she noticed something unusual—a vibrant violet color in the sand. Curious, she knelt down and discovered what turned out to be a rare species of sea snail known as Janthina. These creatures, often called violet snails, are known for their striking purple shells and the delicate bubble raft they use to float on the ocean's surface.

Janthina snails are typically found in open ocean environments rather than on coastal beaches. Their presence on the shores of Southern California is uncommon, making this discovery all the more remarkable. Štajner, a fifth-year PhD student at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego, was both surprised and excited by her find. She described the moment as a complete shock, noting that the chances of encountering one in San Diego are extremely low.

These pelagic snails live at the ocean’s surface, unlike many other species that dwell in tide pools or along the shore. Their bright violet coloration is thought to serve as protection against harmful UV rays from the sun. This unique adaptation helps them survive in the harsh conditions of the open ocean.

Štajner’s discovery marks the first time that Scripps researchers have spotted these violet snails on local beaches in over a decade. Typically, Janthina snails are found in warmer subtropical and tropical waters. However, their occasional appearances along the Southern California coast often coincide with the movement of warm offshore currents toward the shoreline.

On the day of her discovery, the water temperature was notably higher than usual. Štajner recalled the sensation of the warm water touching her feet, which made her realize how unusual the situation was. While she cannot confirm whether this event is directly linked to climate change, she emphasized that it is an important area for future research.

If beachgoers come across any Janthina snails in Southern California, Štajner encourages them to take photos and share them with Scripps. However, she reminded the public that certain areas, like La Jolla Shores, are designated "no take areas" where removing living organisms is not permitted.

In total, Štajner collected around ten snails and brought them to the university’s Pelagic Invertebrate Collection for further study. Under the microscope, she observed thousands of eggs housed in red sacs within one of the shells. She also examined the intricate purple whorls on the snails’ shells up close.

According to Štajner, Janthina snails have a darker violet hue on the top of their shells to help them blend in when viewed from above, while their undersides are lighter lavender to make them less visible to predators below. This coloration helps them remain hidden as they move along the ocean’s surface, reflecting the sunlight.

Despite their small size, these snails are fierce predators, feeding on free-floating hydrozoans such as Velella velella and Portuguese man o' war. Štajner described them as "small but mighty," highlighting their role in the marine ecosystem.

She expressed excitement about the public attention her discovery has received and hopes it will encourage more people to explore and appreciate the diverse aquatic life along Southern California’s shores. The encounter serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the ocean and the importance of continued scientific research and conservation efforts.