Violet Sea Snails Make Rare Appearance at La Jolla Shores

News Summary

Beachgoers at La Jolla Shores in San Diego have encountered violet sea snails, known as Janthina, after a warm water current brought them closer to shore. This marks the first sighting of these beautiful marine creatures since 2015. Found by a local Ph.D. candidate, the larger-than-usual snails showcase striking purple shells and utilize unique adaptations for survival. Researchers are excited to study these specimens further, while beachgoers are reminded to admire them responsibly in the Marine Protected Area.

San Diego – Beachgoers at La Jolla Shores have recently come across a unique marine spectacle: violet sea snails, scientifically known as Janthina. This rare species, characterized by its striking purple shells, has been identified in the sandy coastal area, much to the delight of local residents and visitors alike.

The appearance of these sea snails is attributed to a recent patch of warmer water currents that have pushed them closer to shore. Typically, Janthina inhabit subtropical to tropical seas, but they can occasionally be spotted along the Southern California coast when conditions are favorable. The current sighting marks the first observation of these snails at La Jolla since 2015.

Anya Stajner, a Ph.D. candidate from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, was one of the first to discover the snails while out for a walk. She encountered approximately ten specimens, each roughly the size of a marble, showcasing their beautiful violet hue. Notably, these snails are larger than those documented during the previous sighting almost eight years ago.

The unique adaptations of Janthina allow them to thrive on the ocean’s surface. They are equipped with a natural “bubble raft” that helps them float, providing an advantage in their oceanic habitat. The darker upper shell offers camouflage from predators approaching from above, while their lighter underside serves to protect against threats from below. Additionally, their vibrant color shields them from harmful UV rays, further enhancing their survivability.

Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are keen to study these specimens further. They have been preserved as part of the Scripps Pelagic Invertebrate Collection for ongoing scientific research. Scientists advise beachgoers to appreciate the beauty of the snails in their natural habitat but stress that collecting them is discouraged due to regulations in place at La Jolla Shores, which is classified as a Marine Protected Area and a ‘no-take’ zone.

The recent emergence of Janthina is not the only marine phenomenon attracting attention on San Diego beaches. Another intriguing species, the by-the-wind sailor (Velella velella), has also been observed washed ashore. These gelatinous blue discs feature sail-like tops, allowing them to harness wind and tides for movement across the ocean’s surface. Both Janthina and Velella velella have evolved unique adaptations that enable them to survive and float effectively in their marine environment.

The coinciding appearances of these two distinct marine creatures have sparked excitement among local residents and tourists, illustrating the diverse and vibrant marine life present along the Southern California coastline. As awareness grows, so does the importance of responsible enjoyment of these natural wonders, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations to admire.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 San Diego
• CBS 8
• San Diego Union-Tribune
• NBC San Diego
• News Break
• Wikipedia: Violet Sea Snail
• Google Search: Janthina
• Google Scholar: Janthina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Janthina
• Google News: Janthina