kosketella

Kosketella is a fictional genus of soft-bodied echinoderms used in speculative biology and science fiction. In-universe etymology attributes the name to the Finnish verb koskettaa, meaning “to touch,” reflecting the animals’ reputed tactile interactions with their surroundings.

Description and ecology: Members are described as small, typically 1–3 centimeters in mantle-length, with gelatinous bodies and a network of tube feet enabling slow movement along rocky substrates. They are said to inhabit deep-sea, hydrothermal-vent–like ecosystems where chemical-rich plumes provide energy. Their feeding is portrayed as particle capture by mucus nets and mucous-coated tentacles rather than classic filter feeding.

Taxonomy: In fictional taxonomy, Kosketella is placed in the family Kosketellidae, order Kosketellida, class Holothuroidea, phylum Echinodermata. This placement mirrors real-world echinoderms to provide a plausible biological framework, though the taxonomy is entirely speculative.

Biology and behavior: They are described as slow movers with a high tolerance for mineral-rich waters and extreme temperatures. Reproduction is often depicted as sexual with external fertilization, and some depictions include a planktonic larval stage.

In fiction and culture: The concept of Kosketella has been used to explore themes of embodied perception and the interface between organism and environment, emphasizing touch as a central sensorial channel. Several works use Kosketella as a symbol of sensory adaptation in harsh ecosystems.

Note: Kosketella is not a real taxon or species and has no standing in scientific taxonomy.