Bloom Canker

This chimeric organism (Viroblast gaggraina) is a feeding and reproduction site for a large RNA virus (generated name: Proteavirus beta). It is a colony of funnel-shaped cells similar to Earthly choanoflagellates.

1. Natural origin The canker's cells are infected by the Proteavirus beta strain, which modifies their behavior and gene expression. The cells work together to form a slime mold.

2. Structural slime The slime mold uses glue borrowed from clam anchor proteins to grow a holdfast stalk and numerous sporangia (fruiting bodies) too tough to be cut with hand tools.

3. Viral crystals The canker stores solid crystals of Proteavirus beta virion. When the canker feeds, it releases Proteavirus beta into the seawater, then soaks up killed microorganisms. These crystals are vulnerable to high-frequency sonic resonance.

4. Network effect The canker grows towards other infected organisms, transferring nutrients and electrical current. If the viral bloom ecosystem is a body, these cankers are both mouth and gonad.

5. Protective shell Cankers grow a tough, crablike shell using genes from other Proteavirus beta-infected organisms. Pores in the shell provide excellent sonic insulation, but the canker cannot feed with its shell closed.

Assessment: primary feeding site for ecologically dubious viral bloom. Destroy when opened. Destruction may help nearby infected organisms clear the virus.