Amphora

In a still lagoon a patch of Amphora soaks up the sunlight [Creature design by Dapper Dino]

Basic Information

Anatomy

While pneumos had little in the way of a body plan besides terminal buds and a vascular system that grew fractally, amphora has managed to develop a radial body plan with buds no longer growing terminally, but from the center. The buds are also permanent unless eaten, and when part of the organism is eaten it can regenerate. Also the buds are narrower but taller towards the center allowing for maximum volume. The buds like in pneumos generate and release spores. Under the surface of the matt like structure vascular tissue transports fluids, sugar, proteins etc. and connect all the buds to each other. The buds also release hormones into the connective tissue of the organism and these hormones are the signal for when and how big and how tall new buds need to be. Except in unusual cases where the matt is forced to grow into a shape that is not approximately circular Amphora has a maximum of 89 buds.

Genetics and Reproduction

Amphora spores are haploid and are released frequently into the water column. When they meet another spore they fertilize to create an amphora zygote which will sink to the bottom and if lucky land on suitable substrate.

Growth Rate & Stages

Growing from a single embryo to a full sized 89 bud amphora takes about 2 local years.

Ecology and Habitats

Amphora prefers shallow still ocean waters near Kub-Shay, but it tolerant of brackish waters too. Individuals in more turbulent waters rarely reach full size.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Shallow waters around Kub Shay

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Pneumos

Scientific Name

Amphora gracilis

Origin/Ancestry

Retinalphyta

Lifespan

8-10 local years

Average Height

5cm

Average Length

10 cm in radius