Xenofloris infixum

Captain's Log of Serge Stone, commander of the exploration starjumper "Cognition-5"; expedition to the planet Kepler-213b (Zarafon); entry № 29500921:

"Conducted a routine inspection of the water intake systems used for cooling the nuclear reactor and computer servers. The inspection revealed an unpleasant surprise - the inner part of the pump pipe was overgrown with a green-blue branching organism, similar to coral or a sea lily. The blockage was minor but had the potential to completely obstruct the pipe and break the pump in the long term. The growth was manually removed.

I consulted our xenobiologist. He identified it as Xenofloris infixum - a very unusual representative of the local fauna. Essentially, it’s a multicellular marine invertebrate that has evolved into a stationary bottom-dwelling filter feeder. I was very surprised to hear that. However, Svyatoslav noted that there are similar creatures on Earth - for instance, barnacles and goose barnacles, which lead a sedentary lifestyle while being crustaceans. However, Xenofloris surpasses them all, as adult specimens of this animal can reach up to 8 inches in height.

As far as I understand, in spring, the adult organisms release unfertilized eggs and seminal fluid into the water. Since Xenofloris grows in small "groves," the eggs are immediately fertilized and dispersed by the current in the surrounding waters. Tiny larvae hatch from the eggs, which swim in the water column for about 6 weeks, becoming part of the phytoplankton and a food source for the local biota. The larvae then accumulate substances necessary for growth and descend to the bottom to attach themselves and transition to the adult stage. Svyatoslav says that the larvae's metamorphosis is rapid and somewhat resembles the development of a cancerous tumor - cells rapidly and uncontrollably divide, forming a tree-like structure of the organism, consisting of gills, mouths, and stinging tentacles. Growth continues for a year, after which Xenofloris becomes sexually mature.

The majority of these animals inhabit tropical regions, forming reef masses together with local varieties of sponges and armored algae. They consume microorganisms and organic substances that settle in their mouth-chambers as they filter water through them. They deter predators with their stinging tentacles (the stings are quite painful even through rubber gloves - I speak from personal experience), although there are certain organisms that feed exclusively on their venomous appendages to accumulate the toxin in their bodies. Additionally, Xenofloris serves as a home for several symbionts. It is very useful for cleaning marine water bodies. However, it is now clear that this animal could also cause accidents in water intake systems at various facilities, as the larvae easily take root on both rocks and the joints of pipes. Even on Earth, barnacles would accumulate on the hulls of ships, making them heavier. And these creatures could definitely become a major problem if Zarafon were to be colonized. For now, Svyatoslav suggests plastering the inside joints of pipes to make them smooth. It’s a temporary solution, but what else can we do?"