Diomede's Sapsucker

Elysia diomedea

Diomede's Sapsucker

A green sea slug of shallow algae beds, this sapsucker grazes on Padina and Codium seaweeds and reaches only about ten centimetres. It pulls chloroplasts from the algae it eats and keeps them alive in its own tissue, so the animal photosynthesises like the plants it feeds on.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Gastropoda › Plakobranchidae › Elysia

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 494440.

FAQ

How deep does the Diomede's Sapsucker live?
The Diomede's Sapsucker (Elysia diomedea) is typically found at 0–30 m.
Is the Diomede's Sapsucker dangerous to divers?
The Diomede's Sapsucker is harmless to divers.
How big does the Diomede's Sapsucker get?
The Diomede's Sapsucker grows to about 10 cm.