Elysia marginata [Plakobranchus marginatus]
Description
Elysia marginata, also known as Plakobranchus marginatus, is a species of sea slug. It inhabits the tropical Indo-Pacific, and is typically characterized by its green color, which is due to the presence of chloroplasts from the algae it feeds on. It is able to sustain the chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis, a behavior termed as kleptoplasty. It is typically found in shallow waters, particularly in coral reefs.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Cephalaspidea
Cephalaspidea
|
| Family |
Sap-sucking Slugs
Plakobranchidae
|
| Genus |
Plakobranchus
Plakobranchus
|