For the space-dwelling lifeform native to the Delta Quadrant, please see space-dwelling lifeform.
A space-dwelling organism was an organism which resided in outer space.
When first encountered by USS Voyager in 2373, a Species 8472 bio-ship was identified as a biomass, and was impervious to Federation technology. It did not register as a starship on sensors, however, it did register as organic bioreadings, but the sensors could not penetrate the hull. Furthermore, a transporter lock could not be established on the ship, nor did the tractor beam have an effect on it. It was first suggested by Chakotay of possibly being a space-dwelling organism or a biological weapon. (VOY: "Scorpion")