Species - Crypholite

Crypholites are a silicon based lifeform with a mindset utterly alien from organic races. Crypholites try to stay aloof from galactic affairs, not that they have much success. However, when provoked, they are a resourceful and resilient foe.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Cypholites thrive in chlorine atmospheres (or none), hot temperatures and high gravity. They can tolerate some variation in gravity and temperature. Few other races compete for these environments (except, of course, The Hive) which can make all the difference in a crowded galaxy.
Facility costs are cheap, especially industrial facilities, and output is good.

Click the Crypholite for a closer view.
Hull Types are plentiful with a good balance between weapon mounts and shields.
Shields are good and get better in Era 6.
Propulsion systems are excellent for all vessels.
Astro-Navigation is excellent. Crypholites enjoy the best hyper-jump values in the galaxy.
ECM is okay. It gets a little better in Era 6.
Offensive Projectiles are reasonably good. There are some Military Improvements late in the game. (Era 8).
Defensive Projectiles are adequate.
Beam Weapons are limited to Disruptor Beams. These beams have excellent close range and planet attack capabilities.
Military Improvements are modest; rate of fire, interception, penetration, deflection, evasion, planet attack and ECM can be improved.
Colony Improvements are limited but fairly useful, particularly for R&D.
SP costs for Era jumps are low for early Eras, much more expensive later on. R&D is fast for early era techs but really slows down from Era 6 onwards. Make sure you research those Colony Improvements which upgrade R&D just as soon as you can.
Crypholites take a peaceful diplomatic stance which makes them receptive to unity pacts (very desirable!) and alliances as well as neutrality. Their ordinary trade rating can make diplomatic relationships rewarding.
Base Rate of Fire is 35. Below average.

Default Production Queue
The first couple of times you play Crypholites, I recommend you configure the default production queue as follows, especially in the early game.

I1 / I2 / R1 / D1 / I3 / R2 / D2 / S1 / I4 / R3 / R4 / D3 / S2 / M / C / D4 / S3 / S4