#photosynthesizing slug

[sjwallin]

Text says:

The leaf sheep sea slug (Costasiella kuroshimae) is an absolutely mesmerizing critter of the deep, adorned in vibrant green hues with hints of purple. *photo by Alex Mustard Underwater Photography

Leaf sheep slugs possess a fascinating ability called kleptoplasty. They consume algae and retain the algae's chloroplasts, which are specialized structures responsible for photosynthesis. These chloroplasts allow the slugs to convert light energy into food, supplementing their nutrition. This unique adaptation sets them apart and contributes to their vibrant green coloration. In essence, leaf sheep slugs can perform photosynthesis like plants, blurring the lines between animal and plant life in the ocean.

I love how it looks like an adorable cartoon creature—but it’s real!! 🥰

[snailspng]

Sea slug PNGs

(source: seaslug.world)

[shyacross]

leaf sheep wizard oc

been thinking abt this fellow for awhile, still need to get a final design for it

[11crowsinatrenchcoat]

So funny thing instead of working on my refs for already established characters I am making an elaborate universe involving sea slug based priests living underwater in a dome that worship the sun. So good people of this hell site, I have but one question. Would anyone be interested in learning about slurch? (Sea slug church)

[oysterie]

I do love the weird animal poll haveing portuguese man o war and siphonophore as seperate creatures.... deserved

[mutant-distraction]

The sea slug which looks like a leaf can go without eating for 9 months because it can photosynthesize just like a plant, while basking in the sun.

Vangelis.

[birdwithinternet]

To distract everyone from all the stress of politics here is a leaf sheep.

It's a type of sea slug and the only animal known to photosynthesize like a plant. And it's adorable.

[critter-creature-or-beast]

Submitted for classification by @waltzing-with-my-inner-geek

"The leaf sheep, a sea slug that photosynthesizes."

By Christian Gloor from Wakatobi Dive Resort, Indonesia - The cow, CC BY 2.0

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Leaf slug -Costasiella kuroshimae - Are One Of The Few Animals That Use Algae To Photosynthesize

Bunnystrawbery

[boxofcreampuffs]

Do I have news for you!!!!!!!

That's it that's the news. Also

Sea slugs are colorblind they only see light and dark sea slugs areNT edible and the color means they're toxic so don't do it some of them can photosynthesize nudibranch means naked gills and they don't have a shell there are over 2000 types also did you know they are really cool bc I did. Anyways.

[science-lover2941]

Costasiella kuroshimae

Is also known as “leaf sheep” is a kind of sea slug who feeds on algae.

What makes it so interesting is that it is the only organism in the entire world that is not a plant yet is able to photosynthesize.

Costasiella Kuroshimae are shell-less and range in size from 5mm to 1cm (1/4 to 3/8 inch) in length.

They were first discovered in 1993 off the coast of the Japanese island Kuroshima.

The interesting fact about these slugs is that they are capable of a physiological process called kleptoplasty, in which they retain the chloroplasts from the algae they feed on.

If you think that’s interesting follow for more

[katiajewelbox]

Meet the real life “Bulbasaur”! That Pokemon is famous for being a dinosuar-like animal with a flowering green plant that grows on its back and provides energy. It sounds like pure fantasy, but there is actually an animal that has a similar lifestyle...

“There are several species of sea slugs that have evolved to look like leaves. One example is the Elysia chlorotica, also known as the eastern emerald elysia or the "solar-powered sea slug". This species of sea slug is found along the east coast of North America and is known for its bright green color and leaf-like appearance, which allows it to blend in with the surrounding seaweed. In addition to its leaf-like appearance, the Elysia chlorotica has the unique ability to steal genes from the algae it consumes, allowing it to photosynthesize and use solar energy to survive. This makes it one of the few animals on Earth that is capable of harnessing the power of the sun to meet its energy needs - it can go without eating for 9 months because it can photosynthesize just like a plant while basking in the sun!”

(Source: The Organic Consumers’ Association of Australia Linked In page) #biodiversity #nature #wildlife #naturephotography #macro #conservation #birds #naturelovers #biodiversit #wildlifephotography #climatechange #environment #sustainability #photography #biology #biodiversidad #animals #insects #ecology #insect #bird #biodiversidade #flowers #macrophotography #naturaleza #forest #perfection #earth #science #wildlifeconservation

[seaslug-haven]

Hello! Love your blog. It's wonderful and is sure to make many people's days. Sea slug request: Cyerce Nigricans or Costasiella Kuroshimae.

🌊Latin name: Costasiella Kuroshimae

🌊Common name: Leaf slug, Leaf sheep, Solar-powered sea slug

🌊Family: Costasiellidae

🌐Near Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, leaf sheep can be found underwater, where light is available. Found next to coral reefs.

🦠They live and feed on Avrainvillea - a fuzy algea. They suck on the algea, getting the chloroplasts out and keep them in the ceratas for 10 days. This process is called kleptoplasty. It also means they can do photosyntesis - they’re one of the only sea creatures that can photosynthesize. If needed, it allows them to suppliment their diet in case of need.

More photos of these guys:

🐌 We thank you for the ask! Cyerce nigricans is for another time ;)

P.s: apologies for the late reply!

[theghostofwilburtheworm]

ALSO!! fun fun fact abt the blue sea dragon, (and nudibranch-es in general) is that they temporally absorb the defense mechanisms of the stuff they eat! they can store nematocysts of their food in their dorsal body wall (cerata) and then they utilize it as defense mechanisms!1 NOW!! guess what the blue sea dragon feeds off???? THE PORTUGUESE MAN O' WAR1!!1!1 (mainly) so if you ever where to touch one of these lads it would feel exactly the same as if u where stung by a PORTUGUESE MAN O' WAR!!!!1!!! (very painful)

do ye think if, i, maybe, want to hug a sea dragon would they not intoxicate me with their deadly toxins if i just ask nicely :)

[nefariouslydinkle]

i’m back with more

because he doesn’t have a mouth, the great soft jelly thing can do one of two things A he photosynthesizes or B he has to absorb nutrients via his skin!! because ihnmaims takes place underground AM has to feed bro with coconut oil and other similar things

basically he gets a fancy skincare routine 😭😭 also idk if you can tell i like the slug man a lot

The idea of AM having a big jar of Vicks and going “it’s time for your 4 am slugging.”

[copperpipes]

Speaking of speculative biology, I've been coming up with creatures for the alien planet of my friend

The creatures on the planet don't have mouths and photosynthesize and have three pairs of limbs so it's been fun trying to figure out how a predator works but I think I got it

They have a 'mouth' on their stomach and it's like a jellyfish that takes in food and expels waste with the same hole. The face is used for stabbing and the arms grapple prey and tear them to pieces

But honestly the best part is that I managed to make dragons like creatures!

The autotrophs are a magenta color instead of green, but funny enough they have green blood. They don't use their wings to fly, except the smol guys,but to capture sunlight!

There are humanoid-like creatures too that's the species of my friend, but the family is diverse!

I also have insects like creatures where the wings are from ancient gills like how this world's insects are thought to evolve them.

The first pair of limbs on the insect form and the huh, idk I don't have a name for the top row, can taste things

The dragon forms most likely lost that but still have taste receptors else where

And the bird forms have more taste receptors on their belly area because the first limbs are covered in sharp teeth-claws

Speculative biology is a lot of fun

Rad

But I do have an important note for you.

I'll start from ❗you don't have to listen to me❗

I am but a little nerd, this is just an issue I want to point out to maybe help improve your and your friend's work, do with this whatever you want :]

So, the issue i found is with your photosynthesizing life forms. I guessing you based this idea off the leaf sheep slug, which is the only animal that uses photosynthesis as one of its sources for energy(that's not a plant or a coral, or plankton), because just photosynthesis cannot be the only one. The only ones who can use just photosynthesis are algae, plant cells, and generally sessile organisms like sometimes dinodlagellates who live in corals.

Point is, photosynthesis works on a cellular level. Mostly only for the cell itself, even plants (single cellular and not single cellular, there are exceptions in both) can't live only off of the energy photosynthesis provides, they still need additional nutrients and minerals for everything to work.

For moving creatures, ones who have a brain and muscles and need to run from predators, it wouldn't be enough. Luckily this is fixable, and with no need to significantly change anything or cutting things out.

Some suggestions (again you can ignore this, but if you still decide to use it, you don't have to credit me)

1. Increase surface area and chlorophyll concentration;

You already covered them in little fur which is a step in the right direction and a very cool design point ;] but really don't be shy with it, look at the leaf sheep again

Look at those booshes

And the higher concentration of chlorophyll would be per spot the more energy would be produced, you can kinda see that in plants in areas with rare or little sunlight, they either have a very saturated green color or a dark one.

2. Give them an additional/other way of getting energy;

I would recommend filter feeding through their wings to keep the no mouth bit. or they could dig into the ground and get nutrients like plants do while they sleep.

3. Take a turn from biology;

You know what else uses sunlight to produce energy and does it better then chlorophyll? Solar panels.

Yes, the material is man-made and inorganic(95% silicone, common thing in the earth's crust), but have you ever heard of the volcano snail (or Scaly-foot gastropod)? Very cool creature, it lives around hydrothermal vents and is covered with iron scoots with iron compounds in its shell. And enzymes are a thing :]

-

One thing doesn't exclude the other, so go wild!

Also instead of wings I could recommend sails, but that's for you to decide and the reasoning is great

Now that that's finished, imma [explode]

Like, this is so cool, creative, fascinating shit, delectable. Love the fact the chlorophyll is pink, love the jellyfish stomach idea, love the mantis arms. About the taste thing tho maybe not taste but smell? Like ants

And yes, spec bio is a lot of fun, I wholeheartedly agree :>