Genus
Common name: Sap-sucking Slug
Scientific name: Ercolania
Ercolania is a genus of small, sap-sucking sea slugs within the family Limapontiidae. These slugs are unique because they feed on the cellular contents of algae, particularly the siphonous green algae. They are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specialized diet and the difficulty in providing a sustainable food source. However, they are fascinating creatures for scientific study and observation in specialized systems where their food sources can be maintained. Their ability to incorporate chloroplasts from their algal food into their own tissues, a process known as kleptoplasty, allows them to utilize photosynthesis, which is quite remarkable for an animal.