Rare Sea Snails Spotted Along San Diego Beaches

Rare purple sea snails wash ashore Southern California beaches

Janthina sea snails, a rare tropical species, have been discovered on San Diego beaches for the first time in a decade.

Rare purple sea creature found on SoCal beach: Could warming waters be the reason why?

Oceanographer Anya Stajner was enjoying a sunset walk along the La Jolla Shores beach when a vibrant violet pop of color caught her eye in the sand.

Rare purple sea creature found on SoCal beach. Could warming waters be why?

A rare species of sea snail known as janthina was found at a SoCal beach. These creatures are known for their vibrant violent shells and the bubble rafts they create to stay afloat.

Rare, purple sea snails wash ashore on beach

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — Beachgoers in San Diego may have spotted some glistening, purple shells reminiscent of small gemstones in the sand recently. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have identified them as a rare species of sea snail called Janthina. They are known for their colorful, violet shells and their ability to float thanks to a natural "bubble raft." The Janthina, which were rec…

Rare Sea Snails Spotted Along San Diego Beaches

"These purple iconic snails are rare among the shores," Scripps Oceanography PhD candidate Anya Stajner said.

Rare, purple sea snails wash ashore on San Diego beaches

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — Beachgoers in San Diego may have spotted some glistening, purple shells reminiscent of small gemstones in the sand recently. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have identified them as a rare species of sea snail called Janthina. They are known for their colorful, violet shells and their ability to float thanks to a natural "bubble raft." The Janthina, which were rec…