Rhododendrite

Rhododendrite is an anchored Lifeform found along the shores of the Collection Zone's tar lake. It is frequently spotted among Porcupine Raions.

Appearance

Section requires expansion.

Databank Entry


Source: Scan a Rhododendrite

Glass network constructed by a species of deepsea shrimp, Tektonokaris hyalopyrgos

1. Live glass

A living matrix of haptophytes, algae with a hard mineral shell. This species produces silicate glass, probably because calcium carbonate dissolves under pressure.

2. Shrimp masons

Glassbuilding shrimp prey on loose organic matter, then return to the glass to defecate, adding sand and nutrients. Specialized builder shrimp use this waste as mortar to guide the growth of the haptophyte glass.

3. Tube stations

The walls of the glass tubules contain haptophyte nutrient caches. Shrimp move through the hollow interior, tending to haptophytes and larvae. The existence of a fully eusocial queen/worker divide remains unclear.

4. War and peace

Haptophytes and their associated shrimp are strictly allied and identify each other by genetic markers. When one glass network contacts another, outcomes may range from cooperation to the total extermination of one network and the theft of its haptophytes' food stores.