Dwarf violet shell

The dwarf violet shell can be found on the beach after rough seas. Photo @coronadobeachcomber

Janthina exigua is commonly known as the dwarf violet shell, named for the deep blue-purple color of its thin shell and soft body. This delicate snail can grow up to a half inch long.  A distinguishing feature is the V-shaped notch on the outer lip of this spiral shell.

J. exigua secretes a light purple bubble raft to keep it afloat, floating just below the water’s surface, moved by the wind and ocean currents. The bubble raft also serves as a hanging repository for the snail’s egg capsules.

Image created by J. Higueras Gimenez. Attribution: Creative Commons.org

Considered a predatory snail, it feeds on jellyfish and other hydrozoa that float into its path.  Natural predators to the dwarf violet shell include sea birds, turtles and nudibranchs.

First identified by Jean-Baptiste LaMarck in 1816, this gastropod is found around the world in warmer ocean waters, including Southern California. J. exigua are typically found when washed ashore during rough seas. This beautiful specimen was discovered in March by @coronadobeachcomber on Coronado Beach. 

Class:  Gastropoda

Order: Caenogastropoda 

Family:  Epitoniidae

Genus:  Janthina

Species:  J. exigua

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@coronadobeachcomber explores our shores daily, on the beach or at the bay, paying attention to the interesting animals, shells and sea life.