Electric Geordie

Electric geordie (tentatively *Salpapod geordiwangi*). A relative or morph of the common geordie. Attracted to electrical current. 1. Electrotropism Electric geordies seek out live current. They can tolerate surprising amperages, making them dangerous to remove by hand or tool. Short circuits can endanger both the geordie and the electrical system. 2. Gel-filled stomachs The electric geordie’s four diverticular pouches are flooded with a hydrogel similar to the receptive mucus in ampullae of Lorenzi—an organ used to detect electrical fields. The geordie may use this gel to search for hidden prey and tasty bacterial fibers. Artificial electrical currents could present a superstimulus—an irresistible lure. 3. Electrical metabolism It is implausible, but not impossible, that the geordie has evolved to metabolise electrical current. All organic metabolism is ultimately a process of electron transport, and direct electrotrophy has been observed on storm worlds and in vacuum life. Assessment: a serious pest on electrical and communication systems. Lures may be required to manage infestation.