Alglanmas

Alglanmas are a fictional group of aquatic, photosynthetic organisms described in speculative biology and science fiction. They form gelatinous, mat-like colonies that can float near the surface or adhere to submerged substrates. In many depictions, alglanmas are multicellular and modular, capable of reorganizing their thalli in response to light, nutrients, and mechanical disturbance. The term has no standing in real-world taxonomy and is used primarily within imagined ecosystems.

Colonies are composed of interwoven filaments called lamina strands that create a latticework of cells. Pigments vary by depiction but commonly include chlorophylls analogous to those found in real algae, with additional accessory pigments lending blue-green to amber coloration. The extracellular matrix is mucus-like, enabling particle capture and nutrient exchange. Reproduction is often described as asexual budding of modules, supplemented by spore-like propagules for long-distance dispersal.

They inhabit freshwater to brackish habitats in speculative worlds, where they contribute to primary production and form dense mats that influence light penetration and oxygen dynamics. Some narratives describe mutualistic associations with microalgae or nitrogen-fixing bacteria housed within the colony, increasing resilience in nutrient-poor waters. Lifecycle stages may include dormant cysts that persist through adverse seasons.

Because alglanmas are fictional, they lack formal taxonomic status. In speculative biology discussions, scholars debate whether they belong with real algal lineages or constitute a separate clade of multicellular, colonial organisms. They are used to illustrate concepts such as emergent properties, collective behavior, and the potential for bio-inspired materials with configurable porosity and strength.

In fiction and world-building, alglanmas often serve as ecological engineers, creating habitats for smaller organisms or becoming a resource that human or alien civilizations exploit or contend with. They also appear as subjects of study in imagined laboratories, enabling exploration of microbial cooperation and ecosystem dynamics.