Elysia chlorotica

Green Sea Slug

A green leaf-shaped sea slug represented as a historical Seagrass Meadow grazer, notable for feeding on algae and retaining chloroplasts that can continue photosynthesis for a time.

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Identity & Origin +

Common Name: Green Sea Slug
Scientific Name: Elysia chlorotica
Realm: Saltwater
Biome: Seagrass Meadow

Population Dynamics +

Current Estimated Population: Extirpated; no current active population confirmed.
Population Status: Extirpated
Date Last Observed: December 20, 2024

Section Notes

The reviewed records include a marine inventory role and egg-hatching context, but the profile remains extirpated. The node is kept for historical grazing and life-cycle context rather than current ecosystem pressure.

Trophic Ecology +

Trophic Level: Primary Consumer
Feeding Niche / Method: Herbivore, may graze on algae or sequester chloroplasts
Dietary Inputs: Algae, biofilm, microbial films, and soft surface growth

Section Notes

Trophic classification is Primary Consumer. Food-web role: Algae and biofilm grazer. Feeding method: Herbivore, may graze on algae or sequester chloroplasts. Dietary inputs: Algae, biofilm, microbial films, and soft surface growth

Environmental Tolerances +

Life Cycle & Reproduction +

System Reproduction Status: Egg hatch was documented historically; no current recruitment or active breeding population is confirmed.

Ecological Role & Symbiosis +

Marine/Saltwater

A marine meadow where seagrasses, macroalgae, grazers, filter feeders, worms, crabs, and small invertebrates compete over light, nutrients, and detritus.

Green Sea Slug

Visual Data Unavailable

Section Notes

Section Notes

Classification Pending

Biomes This Species Lives In

Seagrass Meadow

Green Sea Slug Eggs Begin to Hatch

Marine Food Web Inventory Shows High Diversity

Green Sea Slug

Visual Data Unavailable

Biomes This Species Lives In

Green Sea Slug Eggs Begin to Hatch

Marine Food Web Inventory Shows High Diversity

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