It looks like something out of a classic Japanese anime, but it’s actually real. Let’s talk about a strange sea creature recently discovered. Let’s see what species it is
In the heart of the Japanese seas, one sea creature Strange has captured the world’s attention for her appearance reminiscent of Japanese anime characters. She is there Costasiella kuroshimaealso known as “leaf sheep” o “leaf sheep”. Discovered in 1993, this species gastropod mollusc of the Costasiellidae family has aroused great interest due to its truly unique characteristics. Costasiella kuroshimae is a small mollusc that lives in tropical climates and is distinguished by the total absence of shell. With an average length of up to 5 mm and a maximum of 1 cm, it has two dark eyes and rhinophores, similar to tentacles. These emerge from the head and are equipped with fine hairs to sense chemicals in the water, characteristics that help it find food.
The strange sea creature is a fascinating example of biodiversity
These molluscs feed mainly on such algae Avrainvillea and are capable of a chemical process called kleptoplasty. In practice, it allows them to retain the chloroplasts from algae which they feed on, indirectly carrying out photosynthesis. This ability not only gives the Costasiella a remarkable energy autonomybut it also makes it bioluminescente, helping to protect it from predators. Costasiella kuroshimae has been found in waters near the Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia. This demonstrates a wider distribution than initially thought.
Its discovery has opened up new questions about the complexity of marine life and the ability of some animals to exploit it biological processes unique for their survival. Research continues to better understand this strange marine creature, which, with its bioluminescence and ability to carry out photosynthesis, represents a fascinating example of adaptation and marine biodiversity. Costasiella kuroshimae is not just an inhabitant of the sea, but is a symbol of the richness and variety of life that we still have to discover in our oceans.
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