We found this snail 🪼🐌 on the beach in San Diego. When I touched it purple 🟪 ink spilled out of it. It felt kind of bouncy. Anybody knows what it is… Please a need your help
Tiny, vivid purple sea snails caught beachgoers by surprise along the San Diego coast this summer.
Scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography identified the creatures as Janthina, commonly known as violet sea snails. These animals usually live far offshore, drifting across the open ocean on delicate rafts of bubbles. Seeing them on local beaches is rare.
In July 2025, several were found at La Jolla Shores—marking the first confirmed local sighting in nearly ten years, according to researchers. Warmer offshore currents are believed to have played a role, gently carrying the snails closer to shore than usual.
