Common name: lettuce slug

General information

The Ornate Elysia, Elysia ornata, is a strikingly beautiful sea slug known for its bright coloration and intricate patterns. This species belongs to the family Plakobranchidae and is a type of sacoglossan, or sap-sucking slug. They are known for their ability to incorporate chloroplasts from the algae they consume into their own tissues, a phenomenon known as kleptoplasty. This allows them to photosynthesize like a plant, using sunlight to produce energy, which is a fascinating adaptation among marine invertebrates.

Care

In the aquarium, Elysia ornata requires a well-established system with plenty of live rock and macroalgae, which serves as both a food source and habitat. They are sensitive to water quality and require stable conditions with low nitrate levels. Care should be taken to ensure that the aquarium does not contain any potential predators, such as wrasses or pufferfish, which may harm these delicate creatures.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Elysia ornata is hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They can self-fertilize or mate with another individual. The eggs are laid in gelatinous strings and hatch into free-swimming larvae, which will eventually settle and metamorphose into the adult form.

Symbiosis

The most notable symbiotic relationship of Elysia ornata is with the algae it consumes. By retaining the chloroplasts from the algae, the sea slug can perform photosynthesis, which can provide a significant portion of its nutritional needs when food is scarce. This unique adaptation is a prime example of secondary endosymbiosis.

Habitat

Elysia ornata is commonly found in shallow, tropical marine waters, often in seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs. They prefer areas with abundant sunlight to facilitate their photosynthetic activity and are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region.