What is a leaf sheep?

Leaf Sheep: The Adorable Solar-Powered Sea Slug

The Costasiella kuroshimae, more commonly known as the Leaf Sheep or Leaf Slug, is a small species of sea slug found in the waters around Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These tiny creatures, typically less than 5mm (0.2 inches) long, are beloved for their resemblance to tiny sheep or leafy clovers.

Here's what makes them special:

• Appearance: Their most distinctive feature is their bright green "leaves," called cerata, covering their backs. These cerata are not true leaves, but extensions of their digestive system.

• Kleptoplasty: Leaf Sheep are among the few animals capable of kleptoplasty. This means they can steal chloroplasts from the algae they eat and incorporate them into their own bodies, specifically within their cerata.

• Solar%20Power: Once incorporated, the chloroplasts continue to photosynthesize within the sea slug's body, providing the Leaf Sheep with energy. This essentially makes them partially solar-powered!

• Diet: They primarily feed on filamentous algae.

• Habitat: They are typically found in shallow, tropical waters.

• Conservation Status: The Leaf Sheep is not currently listed as endangered. However, like many marine species, they are potentially threatened by habitat%20loss and climate%20change.