If you are grateful for all the work PMC has done in the past 25 years, use Support PMC page.
Exobiology
What is exobiology? Its like exploration but on foot on planets surfaces. You land on a planet, get out of your ship, on foot, then approach some crap on the ground, scan it with your ARTEMIS suit some scanner thingy, then get back to populated space on VISTA GENOMICS and sell the scan data there. Selling "first footfall" discovery scan data is the most profitable thing to do in Elite Dangerous v4.1.1 release.
Where to buy ARTEMIS suit? You need to visit PIONEER SUPPLIES shop in any large station.
Normal exploration with a ship is done without shields, no self respecting explorer flies with shields, however when you land on multiple planets, when the whole operations focuses on planetary landings, then unfortunately you do need a shield because Elite v4.1.1 still has the same bug that your ship takes hull damage if you land it even on slightly "off axis" which is impossible to tell with the lack of landing instruments, so get a shield, this is special purpose operation, this is not normal exploration.
Your ship needs Detailed Surface Scanner, but then again this is basic exploration outfitting module anyways.
On your ship, hit HOTAS joystick thumb down button (cant recall what keyboard it was, the middle center screen look down button), then choose "loadouts", then choose "manage loadouts", then choose "+ new loadout", then choose "select base suit", and now finally choose artemis suit and apply suit. Then save loadout. And I guess "use loadout", then it should be done.
Then I walked up to some white crap on the ground, tool/weapon pointer turned into "ready to sample" and then I had to press and hold left mouse button (LMB) until the tool was done sampling.
When you walk into your landed ships blue pulsating light cone or whatever its called, that will rearm, or re-energize your artemis suit electric battery.
The Best Credits Exobiology
You had to say "The Best", didn't you? Hoho, 'funny'.
Here is a quick scan using Spansh expressway to exomastery tool from which I gathered all the highest paying results I could find. This is not a complete list, just a quick scan in 2025-04-24T16:58:21Z data-set, so just use it as a basic guideline.
- 20,000,000 Fonticulua Fluctus
- 19,010,800 Tussock Stigmasis
- 19,010,800 Stratum Tectonicas
- 19,010,800 Fonticulua Segmentatus
- 19,010,800 Concha Biconcavis
- 16,202,800 Stratum Cucumisis
- 16,202,800 Recepta Deltahedronix
- 16,202,800 Fumerola Extremus
- 16,202,800 Clypeus Speculumi
- 16,202,800 Cactoida Vermis
- 14,313,700 Tussock Virgam
- 12,934,900 Recepta Umbrux
- 12,934,900 Osseus Discus
- 12,934,900 Aleoida Gravis
Whats strange is that everyone talks about Stratum Tectonicas all the time, everywhere when exobiology is on the topic, however I have never even heard of Fonticulua Fluctus which pays 20 million credits even. Then the 19m paying ones are Tussock Stigmasis, Fonticulua Segmentatus and Concha Biconcavis which all pay the same, so why nobody is talking about fonticulua fluctus and the others which pay the 19m credits, hum? 
Edit: 2025-06-05T11:21:48Z, to my latest understanding (not experience, just what I've heard) those other genus biologicals like fonticulua fluctus are extremely rare and its really lucky event to find one. Not sure though.
Community Tools
Elite Observatory with BioInsights plugin is excellent tool for explorer who wants to find exobiology genus bilogical signals.
edjp.colacube.net/observatory and observatory.xjph.net/usage/plugins/thirdparty/bioinsights
Exobiology Genus Biologicals
Can be found on FLAT TERRAIN:
- Bacterium Aurasus
- Frutexa Acus
- Tubus Compagibus
- Tussock Ignis
- Tussock Ventusa
To be precise, I found Tussock Ignis on a very small size crater bottom. Tussock Ignis 3d model level of detail (LOD) is very small, or its render distance is very short, so if you fly your ship high and fast, you will absolutely miss spotting Tussock Ignis on the ground surface.
Bacterium Aurasus. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain. Depending on the terrain surface soil type, coloring might match Bacterium Aurasus quite closely so you might need to slow your ship down when searching this biologic type.
Base value: 1,000,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 5,000,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Frutexa Acus can be found on RUGGED mountaineous areas. You need a ROUGH terrain for these biologics to thrive. Although I did once see them on fairly flat ground as well, but perhaps there was some big rocks or something nearby. All in all, find a rough terrain and that is the place where Frutexa Acus lives.
I call this biologic "Space Soybeans" ;)
Base value: 7,774,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 38,873,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Tussock Ventusa. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain. Same as bacterium aurasus, you can find them right next to each other.
This looks like regular weed.
Base value: 3,227,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 16,138,500 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Tubus Compagibus. These are easy to see as they look like thick trees, can see them from far away.
This looks like space alien palm tree :)
Base value: 7,774,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 38,873,500 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Stratum Excutitus can be found on flat terrain.
Base value: 2,448,900 credits. With first footfall bonus: 12,244,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Concha Labiata looks very alien. This biological thrives in ROUGH terrain.
Base value: 2,352,400 credits. With first footfall bonus: 11,762,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Bacterium Cerbrus. This biological is found on FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,689,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 8,499,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Stratum Paleas. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,362,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 6,810,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Cactoida Vermis. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 16,202,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 81,014,000 credits. Colony range: 300 meters.
Clypeus Lacrimam. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 8,418,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 42,090,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Tussock Virgam. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 14,313,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 71,568,500 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Frutexa Sponsae. This biological thrives in RUGGED ROUGH terrain.
Base value: 5,988,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 29,940,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Concha Renibus. This biological thrives in very RUGGED ROUGH terrain.
Base value: 4,572,400 credits. With first footfall bonus: 22,862,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Osseus Discus. This biological thrives in very RUGGED ROUGH terrain.
Base value: 12,934,900 credits. With first footfall bonus: 64,674,500 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Fungoida Stabitis. This biological thrives in extremely ROUGH RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 2,680,300 credits. With first footfall bonus: 13,401,500 credits. Colony range: 300 meters.
Recepta Conditivus. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 14,313,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 71,568,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Recepta Deltahedronix. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 16,202,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 81,014,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Recepta Umbrux. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 12,934,900 credits. With first footfall bonus: 64,674,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Bacterium Alcyoneum. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,658,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 8,292,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Stratum Tectonicas. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 19,010,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 95,054,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Fonticulua Digitos. This biological thrives in somewhat rugged terrain, it was definitely not flat for my first discovery of this species.
Base value: 1,804,100 credits. With first footfall bonus: 9,020,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Bullaris. This biological thrives in more or less FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,152,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 5,762,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Tela. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,949,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 9,745,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Cactoida Cortexum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 3,667,600 credits. With first footfall bonus: 18,338,000 credits. Colony range: 300 meters.
Osseus Fractus. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 4,027,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 20,139,000 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Tussock Caputus. This biological thrives in canyons, ditches, low areas type terrain.
Base value: 3,472,400 credits. With first footfall bonus: 17,362,000 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Tubus Sororibus. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 5,727,600 credits. With first footfall bonus: 28,638,000 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Aleoida Laminiae. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 3,385,200 credits. With first footfall bonus: 16,926,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Tussock Cultro. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 1,766,600 credits. With first footfall bonus: 8,833,000 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Aleoida Coronamus. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 6,284,600 credits. With first footfall bonus: 31,423,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Frutexa Metallicum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 1,632,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 8,162,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Bacterium Vesicula. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 1,000,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 5,000,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Fonticulua Campestris. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 1,000,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 5,000,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Informem. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain. Same as stratum tectonicas.
Base value: 8,418,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 42,090,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Fonticulua Lapida. This biological thrives in MOUNTAINOUS RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 3,111,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 15,555,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Verrata. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 3,897,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 19,485,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Acies. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain.
Base value: 1,000,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 5,000,000 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Bacterium Scopulum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 4,934,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 24,672,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Tussock Capillum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain. Not exactly sure, I mean where I found my first was not flat terrain, but it wasn't any crazy wild mountains either, so I need more reference data to make a clear distinction what type it is.
Base value: 7,025,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 35,129,000 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Osseus Pumice. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain. Perhaps SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain, not sure.
Base value: 3,156,300 credits. With first footfall bonus: 15,781,500 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Fungoida Setisis. This biological thrives in VERY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 1,670,100 credits. With first footfall bonus: 8,350,500 credits. Colony range: 300 meters.
Tussock Pennata. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 5,853,800 credits. With first footfall bonus: 29,269,000 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Clypeus Margaritus. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 11,873,200 credits. With first footfall bonus: 59,366,000 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Tussock Serrati. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain, also can be found next to stratum tectonicas.
Base value: 4,447,100 credits. With first footfall bonus: 22,235,500 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Aleoida Arcus. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 7,252,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 36,262,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.
Tussock Albata. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain, same as stratum tectonicas.
Base value: 3,252,500 credits. With first footfall bonus: 16,262,500 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Bacterium Omentum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 4,638,900 credits. With first footfall bonus: 23,194,500 credits. Colony range: 500 meters.
Osseus Pellebantus. This biological thrives in SLIGHTLY RUGGED terrain.
Base value: 9,739,000 credits. With first footfall bonus: 48,695,000 credits. Colony range: 800 meters.
Tussock Triticum. This biological thrives in PMCTODO_TERRAIN_TYPE terrain.
Base value: 7,774,700 credits. With first footfall bonus: 38,873,500 credits. Colony range: 200 meters.
Aleoida Gravis. This biological thrives in FLAT terrain, same as Stratum Tectonicas.
Base value: 12,934,900 credits. With first footfall bonus: 64,674,500 credits. Colony range: 150 meters.