What is sea sheep slug?

Sea sheep slug, also known as Costasiella kuroshimae or leaf sheep, is a species of sacoglossan sea slug found in the waters of Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of the Indo-Pacific region. They are known for their unique appearance, with a bright green coloration and leaf-like structures on their bodies that allow them to blend in with their surroundings.

Sea sheep slugs primarily feed on algae, particularly the green algae species Caulerpa racemosa, which helps them acquire the chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis. This unique ability to incorporate chloroplasts from their food into their bodies is what gives them their vibrant green color.

Despite their small size, sea sheep slugs play an important role in their ecosystems as they help regulate algae populations. They are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs, and can lay eggs multiple times throughout the year.

Sea sheep slugs are quite popular among divers and marine enthusiasts due to their stunning appearance and interesting behavior. However, they are not very well studied, and more research is needed to fully understand their biology and ecology.