Sharoitida

Sharoitida is a fictional order of marine invertebrates used in speculative biology and worldbuilding. It is not recognized by real-world taxonomic authorities and has no standing in zoological nomenclature. The term appears in various imaginative writings and discussions as an example of how a hypothetical taxon might be structured.

Taxonomy and naming

In different speculative works, sharoitida is placed with varying affinities. Some authors classify it within Mollusca because of described calcareous plates or shell-like structures, while others treat it as an articulated, segmented lineage resembling an annelid. The suffix -ida is commonly used in taxonomy to denote an order, while "sharo-" serves as a fictional root chosen for worldbuilding consistency. Because it is not vetted by scientific consensus, its exact position remains ambiguous in most narratives.

Morphology

Descriptions of sharoitida typically depict members as small to medium-sized benthic or nektobenthic animals with a dorsoventrally flattened body. They are often described as having paired appendages, possible calcareous plates or a protective carapace, and varying gill-like structures. Some accounts emphasize soft tissues and vivid coloration, while others favor more conservative, muted appearances. Morphological details differ among authors, reflecting design choices rather than observational data.

Ecology and behavior

In fictional ecosystems, sharoitids inhabit shallow coastal and reef environments. They are commonly portrayed as detritivores or filter feeders, with life cycles that may include planktonic larval stages. Behavioral traits such as burrowing, grazing, or slow, deliberate motion are described variably, depending on the narrative context.

Fossil record and distribution

Within fiction, sharoitida fossils are sometimes placed in Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic sedimentary sequences of a fictional region. Because it is not scientifically documented, any fossil evidence is narrative or game-world lore rather than real data.

See also: speculative biology, worldbuilding taxonomy.