Animals That Can Photosynthesize

Elysia chlorotica

This green sea slug steals chloroplasts from algae and uses them to photosynthesize like a plant.

Costasiella kuroshimae (Leaf Sheep)

Adorable and plant-like, this sea slug absorbs algae and converts sunlight into energy for weeks.

Elysia timida

Found in the Mediterranean, it retains algae chloroplasts and uses sunlight for supplemental nutrition.

Green Hydra

A freshwater polyp that hosts algae inside its body, letting both organisms benefit from sunlight.

Marine Flatworms (Some Species)

Some harbor algae within their tissues, allowing limited photosynthesis to boost energy intake.

Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

The only known vertebrate to have algae in its cells, helping embryos absorb sunlight in early stages.

Corals (with Zooxanthellae)

Though not fully animals that photosynthesize, their survival depends on algae within their tissues to convert sunlight into nutrients.