Costasiella kuroshimae leaf sheep: The tiny Pokemon-like sea slug that turns sunlight into solar energy

If you ever dive in the tropical waters of the Philippines, Japan, or other parts of Asia and Oceania, you might encounter a tiny, enchanting creature that looks as if it belongs in a Pokemon game. Known as Costasiella kuroshimae leaf slug, or more playfully as the “leaf sheep”, this miniature sea slug measures just around 8 millimetres long but leaves a lasting impression with its bright green body and distinctive features. Its small, dark eyes, paired with black-tipped rhinophores and leafy cerata, give it a sheep-like appearance that has captured the fascination of divers and marine photographers. Beyond its cute appearance, the leaf slug has a unique ability to harness sunlight for energy through photosynthesis, making it one of the few animals on Earth capable of “solar-powered” surv