This amazing sea slug eats so much algae it can ‘photosynthesize’
The ‘leaf sheep’ feeds on algae and is partially ‘solar-powered’!
When you think of slugs, the first word that comes to mind isn’t usually adorable. But there’s a species of sea slug, with beady eyes and flamboyant leafy feelers, that looks exactly like an underwater cartoon sheep!
The Leaf Sheep (Costasiella kuroshimae)
The Costasiella kuroshimae, also known as the ‘leaf sheep’, can be found near Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows up to five millimetres in length and feeds on algae.
When they consume green algae, it is only partially digested in their body. The plastid, a major double-membrane organelle, is left intact. It is here that photosynthesis can temporarily continue and the leaf sheep benefits by receiving the products of photosynthesis. The process is known as kleptoplasty and means that these fascinating creatures are partially ‘solar-powered’. Take a look:
Leaf sheep are members of the Sacoglossa clade of sea slugs. It is thought only animals in this clade can practice kleptoplasty. However, research has started to uncover more animals that may have a similar ability including the spotted salamander and aphids.
So, while perhaps the cutest, these creatures may not be the only ones to perform this incredible process.
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Hey there! Thanks for interesting article.
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Thank you plenty
That's really cool! Never seen those before. Thanks for the post!
This can inspire a new Pokemon type.
The Lord's pokemon are the most awesome. However, you may have considerable difficulty in catching them all. ^_-
Agree. One doesn't need all the pokemons in the world anyways, just keep the focus on catching those that suit you the most =^_^=
At the very least, there ought to be a plush version of this sea slug. A very large plush version...
Somehow it creeped me out reading 'a very large plush version'
Well, if it's tiny, what good is that?! ^,^
Everything this cute is better super sized!
Look, how can you cuddle something pocket sized?! And what good is a plush, if you cannot cuddle it? Encyclopedias and broken china are for sitting on shelves and gathering dust. Plushes are supposed to be cuddled. How do you even PET something pocket sized? It would be like trying to pet a gerbil! Gerbils would be completely pointless if you are having a really bad day! A giant plush sea sheep would be freaking awesome! Just look at that face. How can anyone in their right mind, possibly continue to have a bad day, while looking into that face?! ^.^ <3
Impossible! If the plush is tiny, the therapeutic effects will also be tiny. It must be as large as the plush company is willing to make it. ^-^
(Okay, I admit, a 5-foot sea sheep might be a bit much, even for me. So I suppose we have to keep it REASONABLY large. Also, massive stuffed animals tend to cost over $1,000 dollars, so I wouldn't be able to afford it.)
But...but... a tiny plush can be made into a keychain and can you can bring it with you anywhere you go.
However, I see how strongly you feel about plush sizes, so i won't argue no more.
Agree, plushies should be huge (think Baymax), or at least reasonably huge. Hahahahaha.
"But...but... a tiny plush can be made into a keychain and can you can bring it with you anywhere you go."
... You're right. They clearly ought to come in BOTH sizes! ^_^ After all, that would mean even MORE sea slug plushes. Surely, there cannot be too many!
I know right? Definitely looks like a Pokemon. Would it be water or grass type, or both?
Definitely a hybrid.
So beautiful that it does not look like real!!
That is so cute! Somebody should make a cuddly toy that looks like that , they would make a fortune. Nature is wonderful!
-laugh- I just typed it... and then saw that you had already said it.
Firstly I just wanna say it's so pretty!! great post! :)
Thanks – really appreciate your support.
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Interesting slug!
I love this slug, every single time I see it. Thank you for posting it, and saving me the trouble of having to. ^_^
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