Keeliks

Keeliks is a term used in speculative biology and in science fiction to describe a group of marine cephalopods in an imagined ecosystem. In the fictional taxonomy, keeliks are placed in the genus Keelitus within the family Keelididae, with the name drawing from a keel-like ridge along the mantle that distinguishes the group.

Physically, keeliks are about 10–15 cm in mantle length and possess eight to ten secondary arms plus two longer feeding tentacles. They have bioluminescent organs distributed along the arms and mantle, enabling intricate light patterns for communication and mating displays. Coloration is variable, typically muted browns and greens with iridescent spots. Their bodies show a dorsally projected keel that provides a distinctive silhouette in dim light.

Keeliks inhabit shallow rocky reefs and kelp forests in temperate seas, usually at depths of 5–40 meters. They are primarily nocturnal and rely on bioluminescence to attract mates and coordinate movements within a group. Their diet consists of small crustaceans and plankton, with feeding activity concentrated near reef structures where currents bring prey. They can also opportunistically consume ichthyoplankton when available.

Reproduction is sexual, with eggs laid in gelatinous capsules attached to kelp or rock surfaces. Hatchlings begin life as free-swimming plankton before settling into juvenile stages. In the imagined ecosystems where keeliks appear, they are considered indicators of reef health and contribute to nutrient cycling through their feeding and waste products.

In fiction and worldbuilding, keeliks often feature in field guides and ecological studies within the described setting, providing a plausible example of cephalopod diversity.