Phyoskulus

## Phyoskulus circulatio

Timespan: R.107 - R.139 (Novaglacian to Gammavian Stage of the Atroxian)

Habitat: Temperate Shallows

Distribution: Southern Hemisphere

Niche: Herbivore

Size: 33cm

Predecessor: Esoteralimnus abrictus

Classification: Thanostominae (sf), Thanostomidae (f), Flagracauda (so), Caudomorphii (c)

Latest Mutations: Normal Open Circulatory System

Info: The previous species were held to a distinct disadvantage by having an incredibly inefficient circulatory system, composed of one large inner pool of hemolymph. Now, they had returned to a more traditional, successful method of circulation, as organs are bathed in hemacoel. As a result, they pushed their once populous ancestor to extinction.

Anatomy: The long, blue, tapering body becomes quite wide around the middle due to a layer of fat. It is supported by vertebrae of bone, although the whip-tail at the end is composed of flexible cartilage. Along the body are three gill slits and a line of electroreceptors. There are no limbs. The head has a cartilage jaw, with a pair of venomous fangs surrounded by square shaped teeth. On each side of the head is a a true eye, with the ability to swivel around. At the end of the tail, two venomous spikes stick out. A gut leads to a stomach containing weak digestive herbivorous bacteria which can only break down small bits of plant matter. Connected to the gut is a swim bladder. The muscles contain special vacuoles for storing extra energy and the organs are bathed in hemacoel chambers. The nervous system is controlled by a fairly small brain, which is believed to have a very small memory sector, for recognition of predatory species.

Behaviours: This species is capable of processing information gathered from sense receptors and using that to form a picture of its surroundings. It can then respond to stimuli. It also has basic reasoning. They are born skittish, but lose this at 50% maturity. They always try and lay their eggs near vegetation, will gravitate towards each other and can recognise predators faster.

Cause of Extinction: Gammavian Extinction

Discoverer: StealthStyle

## Phyoskulus fixocaudus

Timespan: R.123 - R.139 (Novaglacian to Gammavian Stage of the Atroxian)

Habitat: Temperate Shallows

Distribution: Southern Hemisphere

Niche: Herbivore

Size: 33cm

Nutritional Worth: 77/10 x 33 = 254.1NP

Predecessor: Phyoskulus circulatio

Classification: Thanostominae (sf), Thanostomidae (f), Flagracauda (so), Caudomorphii (c)

Latest Mutations: Pronged Spines

Info: This herbivore fed on the algae that grew across the temperate seas of the Southern Hemisphere. It lived alongside it's ancestor and both were common. On this species, the poisonous spines at the end of the tail each turned backwards pointing back past the end of the tail, and split into two. This means that it provided effective defence when fleeing, with the spines often striking the pursuer.

Anatomy: The long, blue, tapering body becomes quite wide around the middle due to a layer of fat. It is supported by vertebrae of bone, although the whip-tail at the end is composed of flexible cartilage. Along the body are three gill slits and a line of electroreceptors. There are no limbs. The head has a cartilage jaw, with a pair of venomous fangs surrounded by square shaped teeth. On each side of the head is a a true eye, with the ability to swivel around. At the end of the tail, two venomous spikes stick out, that point backwards past the tail and are pronged. A gut leads to a stomach containing weak digestive herbivorous bacteria which can only break down small bits of plant matter. Connected to the gut is a swim bladder. The muscles contain special vacuoles for storing extra energy and the organs are bathed in hemacoel chambers. The nervous system is controlled by a fairly small brain, which is believed to have a very small memory sector, for recognition of predatory species.

Behaviours: This species is capable of processing information gathered from sense receptors and using that to form a picture of its surroundings. It can then respond to stimuli. It also has basic reasoning. They are born skittish, but lose this at 50% maturity. They always try and lay their eggs near vegetation, will gravitate towards each other and can recognise predators faster.
Cause of Extinction: Gammavian Extinction

Discoverer: StealthStyle