Aw thanks for the nice comment! ^_^
I agree with everything you've said as important additions. I'm working on making my internal map editor polished enough so that it can be part of the game, which I think will address a lot of the lack of map variety.
Re: differentiating your own species... hm. Maybe some kind of "scent" input that activates when you're close to either offspring, other spiecies, or plankton (the blue snacks)? I'll make a to-do to look into making one.