Aeroshell Sponge

 | Feature | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Species** | *Symphon aeroshell* | | **Attitude** | Passive | | **Type** | Anchored | | **Category** | Sponges | | **Biome** | Plateaus Caves |   ![Aeroshell Sponge](Aeroshell Sponge.png)   The **Aeroshell Sponge** is an anchored lifeform that lives in a symbiotic relationship with the [[Cabbage Shootroot]]. It cannot currently be scanned.   ## Appearance   The Aeroshell Sponge's body is roughly conical and pink in color with regular darker pink, round protruberances vertically along its exterior. At the top sits a round, light bluish bulb. There is also a blue variant of the Aeroshell Sponge.   ## Databank Entry   > **Aeroshell Sponge** > > A glowing sponge (tentatively *Symphon aeroshell*) that resembles the cone of a heat shield on atmospheric entry. > > **1. Predation strategy** > > The aeroshell feeds on microorganisms attracted to light, especially in dark caves where it can be mistaken for the sun. > > **2. Light source** > > Instead of relying on symbiotic bacteria, the aeroshell generates its own light through oxygen-fueled reactions. This light is piped throughout its tissue by glassy fibers resembling those grown by Earth's glassy sponges—among the longest living animals known. > > **3. Symbiotic partner** > > Often found associated with shootroots (hard-surfaced starfish-like organisms that burrow into the seafloor). The exact dynamics of the symbiosis are unknown. Await further updates. > > **Assessment:** useful light source in dark water. May provide interesting bio-optics reference.   ## Gallery  -![Aeroshell Sponge on its symbiotic partner](Aeroshell Sponge on Cabbage Shootroot.png)-*Aeroshell Sponge on its symbiotic partner*+![Aeroshell Sponge residing on a Cabbage Shootroot.](Aeroshell Sponge on Cabbage Shootroot.png)+*Aeroshell Sponge residing on a Cabbage Shootroot.*  -![A blue variant of the Aeroshell Sponge found atop pale Cabbage Shootroots in the Silver Mine](Cabbage Shootroot Silver Mines.png)-*A blue variant of the Aeroshell Sponge found atop pale Cabbage Shootroots in the Silver Mine*+![A blue variant of the Aeroshell Sponge found atop pale Cabbage Shootroots in the Silver Mine.](Cabbage Shootroot Silver Mines.png)+*A blue variant of the Aeroshell Sponge found atop pale Cabbage Shootroots in the Silver Mine.*