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PreviewPhotograph of a green sea slug, with white polka-dot-like markings and white-edged ruffly structures along the length of its back.

A Beautiful Sea Slug

The lettuce sea slug (Elysia crispata) has enlarged fleshy appendages that are folded over one another, with colors ranging from blue to green, with purple and red lining.  The sea slug eats green algae, and some of the green algae gets shuttled off to make a home in those fleshy appendages (called parapodia).

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Are You An Educator?

At Smithsonian Ocean, we have lesson plans, activities, and resources to help you engage your students in the wonders of our oceans.