From Cayman Islands Department of Environment

While exploring our shores, a Grand Cayman resident picked up a marine snail (pictured) which started to secrete white mucus while on his hand. An hour later, the spot on his hand turned blue-purple.

We believe the resident interacted with Plicopurpura patula, a type of rock or murex snail. When threatened or disturbed these snails are known to secrete a white fluid which becomes a purple dye when exposure to sunlight and air.

Although the mucus seems to be not harmful to humans, please do not try this yourself. While enjoying our wonderful marine environment, we advise the public to avoid touching and collecting any marine wildlife. Not only may the interaction harm or kill the specimen but some may also have defense mechanisms (e.g. stings) that may be painful or harmful to humans.
#caymanislands #snail #donottouchwildlife #conservation

IMAGE – supplied Sefu Bernard