Tropical Sea Snakes and Whale Sharks Appear Off California’s Coast
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Strange things are happening on the California coast. A species seen once every ten years has shown up early, and local fishermen are reeling in twice as many daily catches. The Pacific is teeming with tropical life, including several shark species that are not common so far north. One thing is responsible for these new marine patterns, and it's reshaping the state's coastal landscape.
As this year's El Niño ramps up, its unusual visitors are a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. But what do its tropical temperatures mean for cold-water marine life?
Why Do Fish Follow El Niño?
The common belief is that many species migrate south to warmer waters, rather than north. While this is true, strong El Niños, such as the one we are currently in as of 2026, can redirect that route. Tropical fish that typically remain closer to South America follow warm-weather patterns. When sea surface temperature rises, it can cause a dramatic shift in the direction in which those fish swim.
Depending on the species, a fish follows these warm currents according to their physiological needs. For example, manta rays prefer water temperatures from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit . As of mid-October, the temperature in Dana Point, California—where rays have been spotted—is roughly 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Manta rays, known as Dorado, have been frequently sighted in Southern California this fall.
©wagirl/Shutterstock.com
This temperature increase attracts more tropical fish, including manta rays. Even though the temperature has only increased by 2 to 3 degrees, it's enough to lure tropical and subtropical fish. Many of these are prey for others, such as sharks, who tag along to hunt.
However, a strong El Niño doesn't only affect water temperature. Oceanic and atmospheric currents are also at the mercy of weakened winds. As warmer air pushes further north, it carries plankton and certain deep-sea species with it. This is why the event brings unusual, sometimes bizarre marine life to the California coast.
El Niño Brings Nesting Turtles and Venomous Sea Snakes
El Niño has brought many unexpected visitors to California's beaches. Some species are being recorded for the first time ever in the state, such as the Olive Ridley sea turtle. This vulnerable species found its way north on warm currents and chose Orange County as its nesting ground. Seal and Huntington Beaches are now being monitored as the eggs incubate, a historic first for the Sunshine State.
But they're not the only ones who are drawn to the sunny coast. Yellow-bellied sea snakes were also spotted in the waters off Crystal Cove State Beach back in September. These venomous snakes typically appear only once every ten years. This year's sighting is only the seventh since 1972 , indicating the strength of the 2026 El Niño.
The yellow-bellied sea snake is a highly venomous marine reptile that normally inhabits warm tropical and subtropical waters.
©iStock.com/RibeirodosSantos
And following all of these fish are the sharks. Hammerheads and whale sharks have been observed off the coast of Southern California in recent weeks. They come to chase anchovies , mahi-mahi, sardines , and other small fish riding the warm El Niño current. For sharks, this is somewhat of an all-you-can-eat buffet. Even pelagic species, such as squid , are drawn to warmer waters, which in turn attract more sharks, including juvenile great whites .
The El Niño is so strong that it even brought the first great white nursery to Monterey Bay. Along with rising ocean temperatures helped by climate change, great whites are drawn to Southern California's shallow, well-sheltered inland bays. Juveniles remain close to shore to hunt.
El Niño Is Great for Fishermen, Bad for the Environment
California's newest arrivals are exciting for the state's fishermen, who make a killing in tropical game fish. Sport fishermen also come to the area to see what exotic fish await them. So far, yellowfin tuna , mahi-mahi, wahoo , striped marlin, and blue marlin have been in heavy supply. Some estimate the number of yellowfin tuna, specifically, is well into the thousands as of October.
While California's fishing industry experiences a temporary boom from El Niño, the environment takes a bit of a hit. As it ushers in warm water, it also delays the uprising of nutrient-dense cold water. Many native species, such as phytoplankton, baitfish, and krill , depend on this during the fall and winter.
California's kelp forests depend on nutrient-dense cold water for survival.
©iStock.com/Shur_ca
Without this cold, nutrient-heavy water, populations begin to decline, which means larger prey fish also face a drop in food sources. This affects the entire food chain, all the way up to marine mammals such as California sea lions and seabirds. Without these essential foods, they face starvation in winter.
California's marine plants also depend on cool water, particularly its kelp forests. Warm water lacks the nutrients needed to keep them healthy through the winter. This leads to habitat destruction as kelp dies off, exacerbated by strong storms spurred by El Niño. Decaying plant and animal matter also exacerbates toxic algal blooms, which thrive in warm, nitrogen-rich water.
The post Tropical Sea Snakes and Whale Sharks Appear Off California's Coast appeared first on A-Z Animals .
