Photomniaquatica

A genome duplication in aquasagnia led to a sudden speciation, giving rise to the genus Photomniaquatica. Their high diversity, dispersal, and hardiness allowed them to spread throughout Sagan 4's freshwater habitats.

The cells vary but tend to be smaller with tougher spores forming when conditions become dry, nutrient-poor, or saline, keeping little more than their genetic material and preservation proteins. This allows the genus to travel long distances or wait long periods for ideal conditions, appearing eventually in any body of fresh water. In polar and high-elevation habitats, glycoproteins are produced to survive freezing conditions. In periodically-drying or occasionally briney habitats, thicker cell walls support transport proteins for osmotic regulation. Dormancy varies between species, with some producing spores that lay dormant for many years in the same place awaiting a nutrient spike or flood, and others having short-lived but well-traveled (by wind or water) spores that colonize new waters. More photosynthetic pigments are produced by species that live in shaded or deeper water, and nutrient-poor environments rarely support substantial populations.

It is otherwise very similar to its ancestor, being most abundant in slow-mowing or stagnant water where it can form dense blooms near the surface. Blooms are most likely during nutrient spikes and may cause anoxia, killing other species in smaller bodies of water.