An oceanographer discovered a rare violet snail species, Janthina, on La Jolla Shores beach, marking a decade since these snails were last spotted locally. Known for their striking purple shell and bubble raft for buoyancy, Janthina are typically found in warmer subtropical to tropical seas. Their recent sighting may correlate with warmer offshore waters. The oceanographer noted the water was notably warm on the day of the discovery. Though the connection to climate change is uncertain, closer monitoring of future occurrences of these snails will be conducted.
When I saw it on the beach, I instantly knew what it was, but I was in complete shock. I would never expect to see one washed up in San Diego. The odds of that are so slim.
The day that I found my specimens, the water was notably warm. I remember when it washed up on my feet, I was like, 'Whoa, this is hot.'
Janthina are typically found in toasty subtropical to tropical seas. Their sparse sightings along the Southern California coast often coincide with warmer offshore waters flowing toward the shore.
I think it's something that we will be on the lookout for. If these warm waters continue, we will want to see if we have any more of these violet snails washing ashore.
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