"Costasiella kuroshimae", commonly known as the Leaf Sheep. This small sea slug is found in saltwater environments. Has his habitat & lives near Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. Costasiella's unique gastropod can photosynthesize by retaining chloroplasts from the algae it consumes which allows it to harness energy from sunlight.
- Its Order is : SACOGLOSSA
- Its Superfamily is : LIMAPONTIOIDEA
- Amily: Costasiellidae
- It Was First Described: Ichikawa, 1993 Japan
- Costasiella Size: Typically measures between 4 to 10 millimeters (0.15 to 0.40 inches)
- Colaration : Has white head with dark markings & black tips on white rhinophores whith Cereta generally green with white tips and scattered iridescent dots.
- Egg Laying: IT Can lay between 2,000 to 4,000 eggs, which typically hatch within four days.
- Hermaphroditic: They Possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
- Photosynthesis of Costasiella : The retained chloroplasts allow the Leaf Sheep to produce sugars when exposed to sunlight, supplementing its diet.
- Bioluminescence: These Exhibits bioluminescent properties due to the absorbed chloroplasts.
- Variability: There are challenges in identifying different species within the Costasiella genus due to subtle color variations and morphological differences.
