In a dazzling twist of oceanic surprise, violet sea snails — scientifically known as Janthina — have made a rare appearance along La Jolla Shores in San Diego. Usually drifting far offshore in tropical waters, these bright, bubble-rafting snails were swept to shore by a warm ocean current, creating an unexpected visual marvel. Their deep purple shells and floating lifestyle set them apart from ordinary sea creatures, drawing scientific attention and public fascination. Experts now urge visitors to observe, not collect, as the beach lies within a protected marine zone.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Rare violet sea snails (Janthina) spotted at La Jolla Shores

• Typically found in tropical open oceans, not near beaches

• Float on self-made bubble rafts at surface level

• Unique dual-color shell helps avoid predators and UV damage

• Last local sighting was in 2015; current specimens are larger

• Likely brought inland by warm ocean currents

• Preserved by Scripps researchers for study

• Public reminded not to collect — area is a Marine Protected Zone

A splash of unexpected color has taken over the sandy stretch of La Jolla Shores in San Diego, where beachgoers have encountered something both rare and visually stunning. Dozens of bright violet sea snails, scientifically known as Janthina, have washed ashore — a spectacle not seen in nearly a decade. These ocean drifters, more commonly spotted far out at sea in warmer tropical and subtropical waters, have made a surprising and short-lived visit to the local coastline.

The appearance of Janthina is not just an aesthetic marvel but also a biological rarity. These creatures, no larger than a marble, are built for life on the ocean’s surface. Unlike their bottom-dwelling relatives, Janthina don’t crawl across rocks or sand — they float, suspended on a self-made raft of bubbles.

“It actually secretes a bubble raft right out of the aperture,” explained Anya Stajner, a Ph.D. candidate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “It floats up at the surface of the water.”

The snails’ iridescent purple shells, dazzling to the human eye, serve a crucial purpose beyond beauty. Their dual-toned coloring is a survival mechanism: the darker violet topside conceals them from predators above, while the paler underside helps them blend into the brightness below. This coloration, combined with the raft-like float, allows them to drift with the currents — and occasionally, as seen now, end up in unexpected places.

“It was honestly like a dream come true,” Stajner shared, recalling the moment she spotted the snails while walking her dog along the beach.

“I’ve studied these shells in papers and books,” she added. “This was the first time I’ve ever seen one in real life.”

Local residents are just as amazed. Beachgoer Paden Davisson couldn’t miss the contrast between the vibrant purple snails and the dull tones of the beach.

“They’re so purple they stand out like a sore thumb here on the beach,” he remarked, clearly captivated by the sight.

The last time these snails were documented at La Jolla Shores was back in 2015. However, scientists note that those earlier specimens were noticeably smaller. This year’s batch seems healthier, more mature — and far more visible.

According to marine experts, the snails’ unexpected arrival can likely be attributed to a patch of unusually warm ocean water, which may have pushed them inland. Such warm-water anomalies, while not entirely rare in the Pacific, often bring open-ocean species closer to the coast.

The new specimens found have been carefully preserved by researchers and are now part of the Scripps Pelagic Invertebrate Collection. There, they will be studied further to understand more about their habits, migration patterns, and how environmental changes influence their coastal appearances.

But despite their charm and rarity, the snails are not souvenirs. La Jolla Shores is classified as a Marine Protected Area and legally designated as a “no-take” zone. Scientists are urging the public to admire, not collect.

“If you find one of these shells, snap a photo, let us know here at Scripps,” said Stajner. “But leave it on the beach.”

She emphasized that respecting the habitat ensures not just preservation of the species, but the ecological balance of these sensitive marine zones.

As beachgoers continue to marvel at the sight, experts hope the moment serves as a reminder of the ocean’s complex and delicate systems — and the surprises it can still deliver when least expected.

The sudden arrival of rare violet sea snails along San Diego’s La Jolla Shores offers both a visual delight and a scientific curiosity. As the brilliant shells shimmer against the coastline’s muted tones, they serve as a striking reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability and delicate balance. While researchers study this uncommon event, the public is urged to appreciate these vibrant visitors without disturbing them. In a protected marine zone, admiration must replace collection — allowing nature’s rarest displays to shine without interference.

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