ASTROVITAE ISSUE 01

CAPTIVATINGWORLDS | THECOTTONCROWNMANGROVE
THE PERALISSIAN
COTTONCROWN MANGROVE
This feature is a collaboration between Mathijs Megens and Savely Kochnov. Even though
both artists contributed equally to this ecosystem, the illustrations depicted display artistic
interpretations of the same organisms, resulting in some visual differences. Hopefully the
variance in artistic expression and style adds to the enjoyment of this collaboration!
- Mathijs Megens & Savely Kochnov
BY MATHIJS MEGENS (FOLDWAVE) & SAVELY KOCHNOV
Peralissian Cottoncrown Mangrove. A glimpse into the littoral zone within a typical cottoncrown
mangrove. Many organisms seek refuge in this wonderful ecosystem. (Illustrated by Megens)
Welcome to Peralis C, the third planet in
the binary star system of Peralis.
Accidentally Discovered by the Markhan
Transverse Interplanetary Sensor Array
(MTISA) during military training
operations in the Claude Sector around
the Pleiades Exclusion Zone. The planet
soon became a must-visit destination for
scientists and enthusiasts all across
colonised space. With a slightly lower
gravity than Earth, research can be done
quite effectively and, even though the
atmosphere is unbreathable for humans,
it is not toxic allowing for extended stays
in the open air. This feature focuses on a
particularly interesting and somewhat
familiar ecosystem found frequently
along the coasts of Peralis C’s vast
equatorial oceans. A tropical climate and
steady upwelling of nutrients from
deeper waters allows for a thriving
community of organisms never seen
before by mankind. Regardless of the
strangeness of these lands they
undeniably resemble the mangroves that
are found on Earth today. The following
is a collection of images and organisms
from this unique ecosystem.
18 ASTROVITAE | APRIL2021 WWW.ASTROVITAE.COM 19