Puddle Spore

Puddle Spores are enemy creatures encountered in Metroid Prime.
==Description==
Puddle Spores are mollusks that float in lava with their shells tightly closed most of the time. When a predator approaches one, it will open its shell in an attempt to make itself appear larger than it really is. If the predator continues to approach, then the Puddle Spore will slam shut and eject a spread of harmful energy globules. Its shell is impenetrable and emits a foul smell.
Samus Aran encounters them in Magmoor Caverns on Tallon IV in two rooms, Geothermal Core and South Core Tunnel. When she approaches them, they open their shells with their spots on top glowing, readying their globules. Samus can then fire at them with a beam or Missile to cause them to flip over, allowing her to step on their under-bellies. A Puddle Spore will remain flipped over for about ten seconds before returning to their upright position. They pose no threat other than the energy globules they emit when they close their shell. If Samus remains on top of an overturned Puddle Spore when it flips itself upright, she will be flung away from it (most likely landing into the Lava the Puddle Spore occupies).
They are very similar to the Dark Phlogus and Spore Spawn. However, they cannot be killed, whereas the Dark Phlogus can be killed by a Power Bomb while its core is open.
==Official data==
===Official website===
"The Puddle Spore floats in lava with its shell tightly closed most of the time. When approached by a predator, the spore opens its shell in an attempt to appear larger than it actually is. If the threat persists, the Puddle Spore slams shut and ejects a spread of harmful energy globules".
"The Puddle Spore is a lava-inhabiting mollusk protected by an impenetrable shell. The creature emits a foul-smelling gas from within its shell, which is unmistakable".
===Logbook entry===
===Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide===
;Puddle Spore
:"These clamlike beasts are indestructible, but they can be harmed. Shoot their cores to cause them to clam up and flip over. While they're upside down, they make excellent platforms for crossing lava. When they aren't flipped over, they can shoot globs of poison at you, though their attack isn't much of a threat."
;Puddle Spore
:Found In: Magmoor Caverns
:Recommended Weapon: Any
:"Puddle Spores populate the molten lava of Magmoor Caverns and cannot be destroyed. When one opens, shoot it in its mantle to flip it into its defensive position. Once the Puddle Spore is in this position, you can use it as a platform to get across stretches of lava. If the Puddle Spore has an opportunity to close shut, it ejects a spread of harmful energy globules. These creatures cannot be destroyed."
===Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;PUDDLE SPORE
:"Puddle Spore are massive creatures, but they're not interested in you. When you approach the creature, it will open its mouth wide. Shoot it in the mouth to make it slam shut, then use the spore as a stepping-stone to the next area. Watch out for energy globules that fly from its mouth."
===Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide===
;PUDDLE SPORE
:MORPHOLOGY
:"The Puddle Spore is a sentient floating lava mollusk protected by an impenetrable shell. It opens when approached, attempting to intimidate with its size. When opened, direct fire to its mantle causes it to flip into a defensive position. If it can slam shut, it ejects a spread of harmful energy globules."
:COMBAT TIPS
:"Puddle Spore is an enemy that can be a bane and benefit to Samus. This creature looks like a rock-clam and opens itself up as Samus gets near. If Samus shoots the Puddle Spore's mid-section it will close its mouth and flip over, providing a platform for Samus. If the Puddle Spore isn't shot, it will fire a salvo of spores in a radial pattern. Basically a Puddle Spore is indestructible, but can be used as a way to get across water or lava-filled areas."
===Metroid Prime Official Perfect Guide===
;PUDDLE SPORE
:"The Puddle Spore is like a giant oyster that opens up and after a few seconds clamps shut, only to splash lava your way. When a Puddle Spore opens up, blast at its innards--it will then flip over and you can jump onto its prone side as though it were a platform."
==Development notes==
Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide features artwork of an unknown mechanical/cyborg being resembling the Puddle Spore; it is not seen in-game.
While Puddle Spores are only seen in the Magmoor Caverns in the final version of Prime, two appear on an unused layer (labelled "2nd Pass") in the Chozo Ruins Tower of Light. Of note is that there is no evidence of lava being present in the room at any point, which may indicate that the Puddle Spores were to be suspended in the water. These Puddle Spores have a unique model when viewed through the X-Ray Visor, as well as unique scan text which appears to be unfinished, containing only the following text:"This is a Puddle SporeAlpha Puddle Spore description 2Alpha Puddle Spore description 3Alpha Puddle Spore description 4"
The sounds made by Puddle Spores were created by unspecified Retro Studios staff making belching noises. Clark Wen sent an email to colleagues asking for volunteers to burp on cue - to his surprise, a line of them formed outside the voiceover booth, leading to a "fun day of recording". Four of these recorded noises were used in the game, with distortions to make them sound alien.DidYouKnowGaming? "Metroid Prime Devs Share Secrets (EXCLUSIVE)". YouTube. April 17, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022. (starts at 10:01)
==Trivia==
*A Puddle Spore is unaffected by the Flamethrower and will not flip over if hit by it.
==Gallery==
Puddle Spore.jpg|Official artwork of a Puddle Spore.
41.png|A cybernetic Puddle Spore seen in Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide.
PuddleSporeExposed.jpg|A Puddle Spore in South Core Tunnel
South Core Tunnel.jpg|A Puddle Spore expels its energy globules.
PuddleSporeFlipped.jpg|A Puddle Spore in its flipped position, ready to be used as a platform.
Geothermal Core Puddle Spores.png|Two Puddle Spores seen in Geothermal Core.
Puddle Spore Thermal Visor.png|A Puddle Spore from Magmoor Caverns seen with the Thermal Visor.
Puddle Spore X-Ray Visor.png|A Puddle Spore from Magmoor Caverns seen with the X-Ray Visor.
Tower of Light unused Puddle Spores.png|Unused Puddle Spores in Tower of Light
Tower of Light unused Puddle Spore X-Ray.png|Unused X-Ray model
Biology - Remastered 10.png|Metroid Prime Remastered artwork
==References==
ru:Грязевой Споровик
Category:Species
Category:Tallon IV
Category:Magmoor Caverns
Category:Lavalife