Nomad Backhugger

The nomad backhugger split from its ancestor when certain backhuggers developed primitive paddles on the sides of their fronds. The paddles are both useful for clinging to the backs of their hosts as well as swimming. It has developed chemoreceptors on its holdfast tentacles, which are useful for finding new hosts. It will occasionally raise its two front holdfast tentacles and slowly rotate them to scan the area for new hosts and the gametes of its preferred hosts. If it senses the presence of a new host, it will detach from its current host and swim towards the host, choosing a spot to settle down on its host. Though they are sluggish in terms of swim speed, leaving them vulnerable to predators, such trips are usually short and they are typically successful in attaching. Because two of its new choice hosts will venture out higher and deeper through the ocean, nomad backhuggers will typically detach from their hosts when they sense changes in pressure to avoid exploding or avoid being crushed under pressure.

Aside from the new movement method, the nomad backhuggers have changed little from their ancestors. Their nutrient ducts have become almost fractal-like in shape in order to supply oxygen to the body more efficiently. Nomad backhuggers mate by pressing their ‘chins’ together while wrapping their tentacles around their heads. The one on top anchors the pair to a host using two of its holdfast tentacles to keep the pair from floating away. Budding, though it still occurs, is less frequent than the rate their ancestors do it. Eggs are laid and adhered to hosts soon after mating, with one of the mating partners fertilizing the eggs. The larvae feed on their host soon after hatching and leave for other hosts to feed on to prevent crowding as they age.