Sorquine

The Sorquine species was an assimilating species believed to be native to the Beta Quadrant with an unknown origin. Sorquines "reproduced" by seeking out animal lifeforms (usually dying ones) and growing a new Sorquine layer around their body. The exterior layer of the Sorquine body could protect the host from the vacuum of space for up to four hours.

In some cases, the host could be returned to their former species by removing the Sorquine layer, but this was only possible if the original host body had not sustained otherwise fatal injuries that the Sorquine layer was compensating for.

When a humanoid species was assimilated by a Sorquine, the host would lose all memory of their own identity, but they would retain their knowledge and personality.

A Sorquine's life expectancy could be calculated by taking the host species' life expectancy and adding three to five years.