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Family Janthinidae

Violet Snails

Pelagic drifters that feed upon Portuguese Man-'O-War, Porpita, and Velella.  Float by secreting a bubble raft; also secretes a purple dye when disturbed.  Restricted to the open ocean and only washed ashore during storms.  Their shells are paper-thin.

Janthina globosa feeding on Porpita

 

CIRCUMTROPICAL

Janthina janthina

COMMON VIOLET SNAIL

  		Janthina exigua

DWARF VIOLET SNAIL

 

Janthina prolonga

GLOBULAR VIOLET SNAIL