Rare Purple Snails Spark Climate Fears on California Shore
The beaches of Southern California are no strangers to ocean surprises, but what recently washed ashore at La Jolla Shores turned more than a few heads. Nestled in the sand was a vibrant, purple-shelled creature that looked almost too surreal to be real. Its identity? Janthina janthina, a rare pelagic sea snail more commonly known as the violet snail.
This unexpected beach visitor was spotted by oceanographer Anya Stajner during a routine walk. What she found was no ordinary mollusk.
Native to tropical and subtropical waters, these snails live at the ocean's surface, supported by bubble rafts they secrete to stay afloat. As Phys.org reports, their glistening shells shimmer in hues of deep violet on top and a gentler lavender beneath—a design that helps them blend into the seascape from both above and below, offering camouflage from predators.
Photo: Instagram / scripps_ocean
A rare species of violet sea snail was recently found on a San Diego beach.
Strangers to the Shoreline
Janthina janthina is rarely seen on Southern California beaches. Stajner’s sighting marked the first confirmed presence in over a decade by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, according to the Los Angeles Times. She collected about 10 individuals and brought them to Scripps’ Pelagic Invertebrate Collection for examination.
Under magnification, she observed thousands of tiny red egg sacks nestled inside one of the shells, as well as the intricate swirls that give these snails their trademark iridescent look. Though small in stature, these snails play the role of predator in the open ocean, FOX 5 San Diego reports. They consume hydrozoans like the electric-blue Velella velella and the dangerous Portuguese man o’ war.
Warm Currents, Unfamiliar Guests
While researchers aren't ready to make definitive claims, there is a growing interest in the potential link between warming ocean temperatures and rare marine sightings like this one. On the day Stajner made her discovery, the ocean water felt notably warm—enough to prompt her immediate attention before even spotting the snail.
The appearance of Janthina along the coast could be influenced by shifting currents and elevated sea surface temperatures—phenomena that are increasingly common in the context of climate change. The violet snail typically drifts far offshore, riding warm waters, and its arrival on San Diego’s coastline may be an early signal of broader ecological shifts underway, Phys.org reports.
A Reminder to Watch the Water
Encounters like these remind us how little we truly know about what lies just beyond the shore. Stajner emphasized the importance of public engagement in documenting such findings. Beachgoers are encouraged to photograph unusual marine life and share them with research institutions, the Los Angeles Times reports. However, it’s important to note that areas like La Jolla Shores are designated no-take zones, meaning any live creatures—no matter how beautiful—should be left untouched.
This isn’t just a story about a colorful snail. It’s a signal. One that may hint at warming oceans, changing currents, and the movement of marine life into unfamiliar territories. Whether this particular appearance is a fluke or a forecast, researchers will be watching.
And for those strolling the sand—keep your eyes peeled. The next dazzling discovery could be glimmering right at your feet.
