Ocean

[BorneanTiger]

Pteropoda or pteropods of the species Creseis Acicula (in the family of Thecosomes or sea butterflies (Thecosomata), a sub-category of sea snails in the clade of Heterobranchia) have been discovered in beaches across the U.A.E.: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-st...ay-experts

Measuring 7.15–13.2 mm (0.28–0.52 inches), their bodies are protected by a pointed needle-like shell. These organisms are not considered toxic and do not pose a threat to the safety of beachgoers, the Dubai Municipality had said. However, they can cause discomfort as they can stick to the body and they usually die on the dry sand after the tides sweep them to the shore. In Umm Al-Quwain, the marine organisms spotted by beachgoers were non-toxic molluscs. These species are small, transparent, and pointed.

Marine specialists say the family of molluscs are most likely found on upper layer of the world’s oceans and the reason for the sudden appearance is due to increase in the water temperature. These creatures can be seen on the shores around this time of year, as well as when the tides and currents follow the full moon. These factors cause these creatures to enter shallow waters where they subsequently die and wash up on the beaches. These organisms are part of the Diel vertical migration (DVM) cycle, the synchronised movement of zooplankton and fish up and down in the water column over a daily cycle. “When the currents push these organisms into the shallows, they can’t descend, leading to their death and them washing up on the beaches,” James explained.

A picture of a pteropod provided by S. M. Ayaz Zakir of Khaleej Times on the 2nd of June:
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