Ichthyoidmorpha

Ichthyoidmorpha (meaning 'fish-like form) is the clade containing all multicellular organisms that are capable of performing Aethersynthesis to create sugar.

Ichthyoidmorph evolves from Aethersynthetic microbes that developed colonial behavior and become multicellular organisms, known only as Aethertrophs. Unlike bulbozoon and chemophyte lineages, which represent animals and plants respectively, ichthyoidmorphs are like a cross between plants and animals. They are capable of producing sugar on their own through Aethersynthesis similar to plants. However, they are a motile creature, capable of swimming around to search for areas with high concentrations of Aether, though they only possess simple muscles to power the fins and nothing else.

Anatomy
Similar to the hexapterid lineage, ichthyoidmorphs have a fish-like body with bilateral symmetry filled with muscle cells. They have two dorsal fins, two pectoral fins, and a caudal fin. They have a mouth-like opening in the front to take in water.

Core
The site of Aethersynthesis is now concentrated deep within the organism's body, requiring the trachea system to deliver Aether atoms for Aethersynthesis. The cells in the core itself are tightly packed, rock hard, and never decay even if the organism is already dead. Surrounding the core are several sacs and a hemolymph system. Some of these sacs are air sacs to keep the organism afloat, and some others are water sacs which hold seawater for use in producing Calcium Aethide. The Aether Oxide, which is the byproduct of Aethersynthesis, is sent to one of these sacs, called Aether Sac, and left to decay.

Fins
Ichthyoidmorphs possess a tail fin used for locomotion, two pectoral fins used for steering. The two dorsal fins, however, are used as a surface for spiracles of trachea system that connects to the core.

Armor
Ichthyoidmorphs develop armors made of Calcium Aethide covering their body. Calcium Aethide is a compound produced through a process within their body. The armor itself is very resilient yet susceptible to decay. The armor covers up to the base of the tail, very similar to the notaspids.

Nervous System and Senses
Similar to the chemophytes lineage, ichthyoidmorphs lack any kind of nervous system or complex sensory organs.

Behavior
Ichthyoidmorphs exhibit no complex behavior like that of other autotrophic organisms. However, it's as if they can sense the concentration of Aether in the air, and keep searching for the location with high Aether concentration.

Reproduction
Ichthyoidmorphs normally reproduce by budding. The bud appears under the tail and only one bud at any given time. However, when two individuals encounter each other, both will release their sperms and eggs from the gonopores within the openings into the water at the same time while swimming pass by. The eggs of this organism have a pheromone that repels sperms from the same origin. Sometimes, the capacity is reached and has to be released.

Competitors and Predators
Ichthyoidmorphs compete with each other, like all other autotrophs, for Aether in the atmosphere. However, unlike the sessile polyphyllophytes and the pleuston chemophytes lineages, ichthyoidmorphs are a nekton, capable of swimming freely. This enable them to seek the best location for themselves. Which in turn, making the organisms tend to cluster on one spot, with can ensure a "fight", which is just constantly bumping on to each other until an instinct kicks in to move to a new location.

They are sometimes attacked, killed, and eaten by pachypterids. Although they have a protective armor covering the upper body, the tail, however, is not and their body is soft enough to be torn apart easily.

Diet
Ichthyoidmorphs rely on Aethersynthesis to get the energy they need. They have an mouth-like opening at the front that lead deep into the body that, however, is used for water uptake. They also possess no digestive tract. Sometimes, the is contracted from the inner part out to push out foreign matters out of the tract.

Distribution and Habitats
Ichthyoidmorphs live near the water surface. They being a motile organism makes them able to search for the best location, making them flocking to northern hemisphere toward the great font. From flocking up closer and closer to the great font, they sometimes get caught on the beach and dry out.