Janthina globosa

Present in the Mediterranean sea, the Janthina globosa is a pelagic species that floats thanks to an aggregate of solid bubbles, full of air, secreted by the foot. Shortly, a gastropod with the lifebelt, that nourishes sailing of the cnidaria it meets. Among these usually the Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) and the membres of the genus Velella. In order not to sink, its splendid blue violet shell, with more intense colour towards the apex, must be very light and hence it’s a thin and frail shell, to be carefully handled, that has never exceeded the 38,5 mm of size © Giuseppe Mazza