Symbiobuki

Splitting from its ancestor, the symbiobuki has spread along the western coasts of Darwin. It has evolved three major adaptions over its ancestor that have contributed to its success. First, it has developed a double layered exoskeleton. While both layers are thinner compared to that of its ancestor, the outer one is semi-translucent in order to work with its second adaption. Said second adaption is the symbiotic relationship it has developed with a certain species of redmoss. These redmosses provide excess sugars and nutrients from photosynthesis, as well as oxygen, for the symbiobuki, while in return they are provided both shelter and nutrients that they themselves need. Finally, due to the structural formation of its exoskeletons, its gill-like segments have become feathery formations that extend from between the segments. Soon after hatching from their eggs, young symbiobuki will squirm their way through the sand and feed upon whatever detritus they come upon. During so, they will also feed on colonies of redmosses. Instead of digesting them, they are instead transported to a thin space between their exoskeletons where they continue to grow and spread. Both parties benefit from this symbiosis, and symbiobuki who have redmoss colonies experience much faster growth than those without them. However, during times of famine or extreme stress, the symbiobuki will expel its redmoss symbiotes so as to not waste excess nutrients on them. This is relatively rare, however. Because of this symbiosis, symbiobuki can survive under rather anoxic for periods of time, surviving on the oxygen their redmoss colonies produce. This can help them escape the competition as well as avoid predators who can't tolerate conditions with low oxygen levels. Symbiobuki can live for roughly a year and are sexually mature within a months time. They mate and release their eggs in mass, creating large sandy pits that can contain thousands of young that have dozens of parents. When they hatch all at once, they have an advantage from predators due to their high numbers and concentrations.