Rare leaf sheep sea slug photographed in Hainan for the first time
By CHEN BOWEN in Haikou | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-06-02 18:32
Wuzhizhou Island is home to China's first tropical marine ranch. Marine experts said the species' presence indicates a healthy, stable ecosystem with rich biodiversity.
The leaf sheep sea slug's beady eyes and flat face make it look like an adorable cartoon sheep. An adult of the species measures less than 1 centimeter and is known for its ability to photosynthesize by incorporating chloroplasts from algae it consumes, a trait called kleptoplasty.
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