Scientific Name: Placida cf. kevinleei
Common Name: Kevin Lee’s placida

Adult Size: 5 – 10 mm
Depth Range: 1 – 15 m
Biotope / Habitat: Shallow seagrass meadows and algal-covered rocks, where it blends in perfectly with its habitat
Diet: Feeds on green algae, using its radula to suck out cell contents in a process called kleptoplasty — allowing it to temporarily retain chloroplasts for photosynthesis
Reproduction: Hermaphroditic; reciprocal mating occurs, with tiny, coiled egg ribbons laid on algae and seagrass blades
Fun Fact: Placida cf. kevinleei’s yellowish body is covered with tiny dark spots, giving it a leaf-like appearance that helps it vanish in the algae it calls home.

This tiny but beautiful slug is a fascinating example of the delicate balance between camouflage and phototrophic adaptation — a true “solar-powered” slug!