Lichidele

Lichidele is a fictional taxon used in speculative biology and science fiction to describe a group of semi-aquatic, symbiotic organisms that combine fungal and photosynthetic components with animal-like mobility. The term is not part of real-world taxonomy and has no official standing in biology; its characteristics vary by author or work, but it is typically presented as a composite organism formed by a fungal-like mycobiont and one or more photosynthetic partners, either algae or cyanobacteria.

In most depictions, lichidele form a layered thallus that adheres to rocks, roots, or submerged substrates. The outer layer provides protection and moisture retention, while the inner tissues conduct nutrients and house motile cells that enable limited movement or dispersal. Some artists imagine specialized structures for attaching to surfaces or absorbing nutrients from the surrounding water or soil.

Habitat and ecology: They are described as occupying damp coastal zones, tidal pools, freshwater wetlands, and shaded streams; they can photosynthesize and also engage in various forms of interaction with microfauna, ranging from mutualism to parasitism. They are often portrayed as contributors to primary production in fictional ecosystems and as influential players in nutrient cycling and biofiltration within their environments.

Reproduction: Spore-like dispersal from the fungal component is common, along with fragmentation of the thallus or budding of internal structures. Some works describe life cycles that alternate between mat-forming, sessile stages and more mobile, dispersive stages.

In culture: Lichidele appearances appear in worldbuilding guides, role-playing games, and science fiction novels as examples of hybrid life strategies and adaptive symbioses. Because they are fictional, there is no standardized taxonomy or physiological data.