With the monsoon approaching, visitors to Juhu beach have spotted vibrant Blue Buttons (Porpita porpita) washed ashore in large numbers. Experts say these harmless marine creatures appear annually, carried in by seasonal winds, and are a natural sign of the changing weather
midday
The presence of this species highlights the rich biodiversity found along Mumbai’s beaches.
Visitors to Juhu beach in Mumbai, particularly marine enthusiasts, have recently been delighted to spot large numbers of Blue Buttons (Porpita porpita) – a strikingly beautiful marine species on the beach in large numbers. Experts told Mid-Day that sightings of this marine animal occur annually along Mumbai’s coastline, typically a few weeks ahead of the monsoon.
The presence of this species highlights the rich biodiversity found along Mumbai’s beaches. Marine experts and conservationists are now calling for increased public awareness about such seasonal phenomena and the broader ecological significance they represent.
Commonly referred to as Blue Buttons, Porpita porpita are small marine animals found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. In Mumbai, they tend to arrive on the city’s shores just before the onset of the monsoon. Traditional fishing communities have even regarded them as natural indicators of the approaching rainy season.
