Filtermussel

Raise the poles, pull and trim the nets, harvest only what you need.

— Instructions for public Filtermussel pool

The Filtermussel is a created species of Mussel that is used for colonization and terraformation. The Filtermussel is given its name for the mucusy membrane it releases into the water to catch prey and particulates.

As the net of mucus fills with the detritus carried by the waters movement, the mussel will reel it back in and feast. Harmful toxins and particulates are excreted back out into hard pellets that can be removed and disposed of.

The result is the mussels help condense and contain harmful solids and also keep organic waste from other creatures under control. This makes the Filtermussel a useful element to any hydroponics setup when combined with fish. The Mussels can also be harvested and boiled to add protein to the diet of colonists.

Filtermussels are also raised in giant fisheries set up near waterways and waste treatment facilities. These filter mussels can be grown by the housands and serve as a last level of water treatment to remove any remaining contaminants.

The adhesives that Filtermussels use to latch onto surfaces can also be harvest for use in making glues and tapes for crafting, which is very useful on isolated colonies.