Unlike the fungal mat closely attached to the ground, the fungal network floating on the water surface constantly endures the impact of ocean waves.
Even in the relatively calm waters of the Underground City, the continuous surge of waves keeps tugging at the connections of the fungi.
They are scattered, torn apart, and then re-healed, tangled together.
Simply increasing the thickness of the fungi is not very useful.
In the face of truly turbulent waves, even the thickest fungal layer cannot escape being torn apart. And if thickened enough to withstand any storm... it might no longer be called a "fungal mat," but rather a "sea platform."
And letting the fungi mimic the shape of seaweed, floating on the water surface in small clusters, rising and falling with the waves.
This method resolves the tearing force of the waves; the fungal clusters sway with the water flow and are less likely to get damaged.
However, the new structure brings new flaws.
