Family
Common name: Leaf Slug
Scientific name: Plakobranchidae
Plakobranchidae, commonly known as Leaf Slugs or Sapsucking Slugs, are a family of sacoglossan sea slugs. They are characterized by their flattened, leaf-like bodies which aid in camouflage among algae. Members of this family are known for their unique ability to incorporate chloroplasts from the algae they consume into their own tissues, a phenomenon known as kleptoplasty. This allows them to utilize photosynthesis, supplementing their diet with energy from sunlight. They are fascinating additions to the reef aquarium, but their diet is specialized, and they require a steady supply of specific algae to thrive.
- Common name: lettuce slugScientific name: Elysia crispata
- Common name: Eastern Pacific Emerald ElysiaScientific name: Elysia diomedea
- Common name: lettuce slugScientific name: Elysia ornata
- Common name: Sapsucking SlugScientific name: Elysia verrucosa
- Common name: green elysiaScientific name: Elysia viridis
- Common name: Flat camouflaged slugScientific name: Plakobranchus ocellatus
- Common name: Thuridilla gracilisScientific name: Thuridilla gracilis