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Ferrochains (Stirinix spp.)
Creator: Oceansky
Ancestor: Ferrofilamet
Habitat: Global
Size: 50-100 μm long cells, up to 5.6 mm long colonies
Support: Mixed (Magnetized Cytoskeleton, iron-based Cell Wall
Diet: Lithovore (iron), Planktivore (10-60 μm), Detritivore
Respiration: Mixed (Anaerobic and Aerobic)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Binary Fission, Sexual (gametes, auxospores)

Ferrochains are an odd descendant of the Ferrofilament that has cells that form long colonies by joining together like a chain. This, howerver, isn't their only unique trait, since there are over 67 different species within the genus that live in a variety of areas, ranging from areas littered with hydrothermal vents, to muddy swamps. Each species has slightly different shell shapes, some look like other Ferrumcarcers, some are angular, and some even look like tiny worms due to how neatly they link up. Their most defining trait, however, is a tract that runs through the center of each cell. Troglodytic species are rare, however do exists, and most are found in caves that often get things washed into them.


An image depicting how each cell of the five depicted species look individually, both a top/bottom and side view of each.

Feeding strategies
While they still absorb their usual source of nutrients, iron and detritus, directly into their bodies, Ferrochains also possess a tract controlled by their cytoskeleton that functions as a means to eat larger things. Colonies often have very long tracts, both ends constantly having it open while all the ones between open and close theirs in a wave fashion as food moves through it. They secrete digestive enzymes into this tract, which breaks down both organic and inorganic materials that get caught in it, allowing them to both eat larger grains of sediment and detritus, while also consuming live prey that gets sucked or caught in it. Many species are able to metabolize metals aside from iron, though still require it, be it from organic or inorganic sources.

Respiration
Ferrochains don't just gain nutrients from iron, but like their ancestors, they use it to respirate. They take electrons from broken down iron and use it to keep them operational. They store hematite in their cells, which allows them to break down the copious amount of rust produced as a byproduct. It also helps them when metabolising oxygen they absorb.

Reproduction
Many species reproduce via binary fission and gametes on a regular basis, however species in locations that have cold seasons will produce auxospores. Colonies habitually break apart and reproduce sexually before this time comes, and produce auxospores that will become new Ferrochains once the temperatures warm up.

In conclusion of this, Ferrochains are quite similar to their ancestor, forming long chains and feeding on metals, while also having many differences like how their colonies form and the presence of a tract through their bodies.

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