Fidoplankton
(Labradorias excellanti)
Description: Labradorias excellanti. Unlike most phytoplankton, fidoplankton is a strong swimmer.
It is found in most marine and freshwater habitats. Excellanti has four jointed legs, long body
with posterior whiplike antennae. They often swim at surface with anterior end and mouth exposed to air.
Sharp black claws on extremeties seem to be defensive instruments. Webbed feet make
them strong swimmers. Black body attracts suns rays providing some "internal" photosynthesis,
although process unknown to science.
Size: Length, less than 1 meter. Adults weigh 55-70 lbs.
Color: Mostly black. Labradorias notsoexcellanti is a brown subspecies, uncommon,
less adapted to aquatic life and appears dumber.
Range: Common in North American marine coastal areas, as well as ponds, lakes and streams.
Known to take over and dominate backyard pools.
Habits: Species often in pursuit of a small spherical floating object of varying color and unknown origin. Possible alternate food source. Labridorias, seems entirely focused on spherical object most of the time. Posterior whiplike antennae in constant motion and might aid in locomotion, locating and finding prey, thermal regulation, or unknown social use. Mating habits unknown. Prey species unknown although assumed to be small, 20 mm spherical objects excellanti carries in mouth. Photograph is of a single specimen inhabiting a backyard pool during summer in Maine.
AKA, Blackie