Species - Polyphim

These guys (gals, others) are the second ugliest race in the universe. But don't let their looks fool you; they are pretty easy to get on with unless you're an Arimech. There is a lot of bad feeling between those two. Polyphim weapon systems are formidable and their access to powerful improvements makes them a dangerous enemy. Far better to try and get on with them.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Restricted to Cold, Methane worlds with high gravity. Some tolerance of Helium or no atmosphere, frozen or temerate climate and standard gravity. Klaa'Keen, Trogarchs and The Hive are their competitors for living space.

Click the Polyphim for a closeup.
Facility costs are cheap, especialy R&D facilities, and output good.
Hull Types are plentiful with a good balance between weapon mounts and shields.
Shields are good and get better in Era 3.
Propulsion systems are excellent for smaller vessels. An Era 3 Military Improvement helps.
Astro-Navigation is excellent. Hyper-Jump ratings are particularly high.
ECM is adequate. Improvements from Eras 3 and 9 make a difference.
Offensive Projectiles are varied and reasonably good. Military Improvements will make them competitive. DD weapons are few.
Defensive Projectiles are robust and benefit from Military Improvements in Eras 2 and 5.
Beam Weapons are are limited to Particle Beams which are only valuable at long range.
Improvements are numerous; rate of fire, interception, penetration, propulsion, deflection, evasion and ECM can be improved.
Colony Improvements are limited but fairly useful.
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 7 onwards.
Polyphim take a peaceful diplomatic stance (except with the Arimechs!) which makes them receptive to unity pacts (very desirable!) and alliances as well as neutrality watch. Their good 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 Polyphim, I recommend you configure the default production queue as follows, especially in the early game.
I1 / R1 / D1 / I2 / R2 / D2 / S1 / I3 / R3 / I4 / R4 / D3 / S2 / M / C / D4 / S3 / S4