Hemoglobe

The hemoglobe split from its ancestor and has evolved to parasitize the various gilltail species and their relatives. It arose from the descendants of hydroglobes that continuously attached to and multiplied on these hosts, eventually evolving a root-like system that digs into the flesh of the animal and absorbs its blood. This diet has mostly replaced its photosynthesis as a major source of energy, however their mobile spores still need to photosynthesize until they attach to a suitable host, after which they will rapidly mature and reach adulthood.

While mild infestations are relatively harmless, even preventing other hydroglobes and their descendants from attaching, major ones can result in the host losing too much blood and will greatly weaken it, resulting in its eventual death from either being picked off by a predator or dying due to lack of blood.