HomeNature & BiologyTop 10 Animals Capable of Photosynthesis
Top 10Updated 2026年3月16日

Top 10 Animals Capable of Photosynthesis

This list ranks animals in nature that obtain energy through symbiotic algae or chloroplasts. These organisms blur the lines between plants and animals, showcasing unique evolutionary energy-gathering strategies and the intricacies of mutualistic symbiosis.

Current #1
Elysia chlorotica

Interesting Facts & Summary

Miracles of Cross-Border Survival

True autotrophic animals are rare; most rely on symbiotic relationships. The most famous example, Elysia chlorotica, engages in 'kleptoplasty' by sequestering algal chloroplasts for long-term use. These organisms are not just biological curiosities but are central to the study of horizontal gene transfer.

RankNameMechanismHabitat
Elysia chlorotica
KleptoplastyNorth American coast
Hydra viridissima
Endosymbiotic ChlorellaFreshwater
Symsagittifera roscoffensis
Endosymbiotic TetraselmisEuropean coastal sand
4
Tridacna gigas
SymbiodiniumTropical coral reefs
5
Mastigias papua
SymbiodiniumPalau marine lakes
6
Alcyonium digitatum
SymbiodiniumIndo-Pacific
7
Aiptasia pallida
SymbiodiniumGlobal shallow seas
8
Acropora cervicornis
SymbiodiniumTropical shallow seas
9
Clathrina sp.
Endosymbiotic CyanobacteriaMarine reefs
10
Didemnum molle
Prochloron symbiosisCoastal waters

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