Toxic Sponge

A hateful and malicious sponge.

Assessing PDA neural temperature. Reducing output subjectivity.

Symphon achlys, sponge of dying mist. A dangerous semi-predatory sponge that acts as the central node in a necrobiome.

1. Bacterial arsenal Sponges cultivate bacteria which secrete helpful chemicals. At some point in its history the toxic sponge was infected by a bacterial symbiote which generated a powerful antibiotic (akin to the human Streptomyces). The bacterium used this antibiotic to extinguish competition, then began an internal power struggle to evolve compounds that could destroy rival strains of its own species. The result is a sponge flush with an antibiotic so concentrated it causes skin burns and nerve damage.

2. Touch based hunting strategy When brushed, the sponge contracts sharply, expelling a cloud of antibiotic toxin. Microorganisms are killed, and larger species may enter convulsions and die nearby. The dead matter decomposes, releasing nutrients upon which the sponge feeds.

3. Animal gene fragments The toxic sponge's genetic code contains fragment of an animal genome: likely a crustacean.

Assessment: avoid. Keep medical supplies on hand to treat chemical burns and nerve damage.