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Family Janthinidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL

Janthina janthina



Waimanalo, Oahu

COMMON VIOLET SNAIL

Ninety percent of violet shells washed ashore are this species, and only a few storms each year are productive.  Dorsally compressed with a lilac dorsum and violet base.  Attains diameter of 1.6 inches, 40 mm.  Warm seas worldwide.