Common name: Eastern Pacific Emerald Elysia

General information

The Eastern Pacific Emerald Elysia, scientifically known as Elysia diomedea, is a species of sacoglossan sea slug, a marine gastropod mollusk. This sea slug is particularly known for its vibrant green coloration, which it acquires from the chloroplasts of the algae it consumes. This process, known as kleptoplasty, allows the sea slug to utilize the chloroplasts for photosynthesis, effectively harnessing solar energy to supplement its nutritional needs.

Care

Caring for Elysia diomedea in a home aquarium requires a well-established system with plenty of live macroalgae for them to graze on. They are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining pristine conditions with stable parameters is crucial. It's important to note that these sea slugs have a specialized diet and may not thrive without an adequate supply of specific algae species.

Reproduction

Elysia diomedea is capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In captivity, they may lay clusters of eggs on the aquarium glass or decor. The larvae that hatch are planktonic and can be challenging to rear in a home aquarium due to their specific dietary requirements.

Symbiosis

The symbiotic relationship between Elysia diomedea and the algae it consumes is a fascinating aspect of its biology. By retaining the chloroplasts from the algae, the sea slug benefits from additional energy production, while the algae gain a degree of protection within the tissues of the slug.

Habitat

In the wild, Elysia diomedea is found in the Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Ecuador. They inhabit shallow waters, often in areas with abundant growth of their preferred algal food sources.