Veroina

## Veroina ericius

Timespan: Gnathian to Fressian Stages of the Atroxian (R.52 - R.75)

Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean)

Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, below thermocline

Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder

Nutritional Value: 38

Size: 16.5cm (length - although this includes spines, the body itself is 6.5cm)

Predecessor: Kapnosta limus

Classification: Veroinidae, Kardiaskulidea, Tubulosa

Latest Mutations: Fix Smell = 3, Sense of Smell = 5, Spikes = 6

Description: With the abundance of predators in these dangerous waters, it only makes sense for species to evolve extra defences. \_Veroina ericius\_ have developed defences that are almost impenetrable; they have spiky spines sticking out all over their tubular body, with an average length of about 5cm. These spines are also toxic. Predators are unlikely to be able to get to the flesh underneath the spines without causing great damage to themselves. Therefore, areas that were once off-limits because of predators are now open, and \_Veroina ericius\_ would be able to colonise the shallow seas, in addition to their previous range, if they were adapted to deal with the warmer temperatures. They also use these spines to walk across the seafloor but can no longer swim. Furthermore, they have lost the slime on their scales that gave them a strong smell, but have gained an olfactory sense with the appearance of olfactory receptors studded around the body. With this ability, \_Veroina ericius\_ can track the smell of chemicals to hydrothermal vents and brine pools, making food easier to find in the deep ocean. All of this makes \_Veroina ericius\_ the most common animal in the ocean - the only downside is that the spines make mating an awkward tangle.

Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Axochord, Notochord, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Large Pinhole Eyes With Lenses (2 on top of head, one on front), Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae
Cause of Extinction: Outcompeted

Discoverer: Robotranicrex

## Veroina sinoculus

Status: NT

Timespan: R.58 - Present

Habitat: Mid Ocean, Deep Ocean

Distribution: Non-polar Ocean, Minimum depth of 500m

Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder

Nutritional Value: 85.8

Size: 16.5cm (length - although this includes spines, the body itself is 6.5cm)

Predecessor: Veroina ericius

Classification: Veroinidae, Kardiaskulusidea, Kardiarchia

Latest Mutations: Lost Eyes

Info: With the successful body plan of its predecessor - a fortress of toxic spikes - this species has now taken a step to become further streamlined for deep ocean survival. In this respect, it has lost the large eyes of Veroina ericius, which were useless at the depths that this species occupies, and that took up valuable energy. As a result, it is slightly more populous than its predecessor, which it lives amongst.
Description: It has a tubular, pigmentless cylindrical body covered in toxic spines and studded with olfactory receptors. On each side of the body is four gills, as well as a gill frill. A protective layer of heat-proof scales covers the body. A simple gut, behind the pharynx, leads through the body, which is circulated by a semi-open circulatory system; capillaries cover the muscles, which also have special vacuoles, but the rest of the organs are bathed in chambers. The circulatory system is pumped by a tubular heart. A tiny brain and two nerve cords control the body. The body has vertebrae made of cartilage.

Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae, Olfactory Receptors, Spines

Discoverer: StealthStyle

## Veroina vadum

Status: CR

Timespan: R.77 - Present

Habitat: Shallow Sea, Mid Ocean

Distribution: Temperate Seas & Continental Slopes, Maximum depth 500m

Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder

Nutritional Value: 95.7

Size: 16.5cm (length - although this includes spines, the body itself is 6.5cm)

Predecessor: Veroina sinoculus

Classification: Veroinidae, Kardiaskulusidea, Kardiarchia

Latest Mutations: Temperate Tolerance, Quite Low Salinity Tolerance, Grey Pigment

Info: This species is very similar to its predecessors, except it is now able to occupy the shallow temperate seas, where it is fairly common.

Description: It has a tubular, grey cylindrical body covered in toxic spines and studded with olfactory receptors. On each side of the body is four gills, as well as a gill frill. A protective layer of heat-proof scales covers the body. A simple gut, behind the pharynx, leads through the body, which is circulated by a semi-open circulatory system; capillaries cover the muscles, which also have special vacuoles, but the rest of the organs are bathed in chambers. The circulatory system is pumped by a tubular heart. A tiny brain and two nerve cords control the body. The body has vertebrae made of cartilage.

Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae, Olfactory Receptors, Spines

Discoverer: StealthStyle

## Veroina acidumus

Status: NT

Timespan: R.92 - Present

Habitat: Mid Ocean, Deep Ocean

Distribution: Non-polar Ocean, Minimum depth of 500m

Niche: Carnivorous Filter-Feeder

Nutritional Value: 85.8

Size: 18cm (length - although this includes spines, the body itself is 7cm)

Predecessor: Veroina sinoculus

Classification: Veroinidae, Kardiaskulusidea, Kardiarchia

Latest Mutations: Carnivorous digestive bacteria, strong stomach acid

Info: This species lives alongside its predecessor because it has evolved to occupy a slightly different niche. It is still a filter-feeder, but it can now filter the fleshy materials in marine snow and digest them. It has very strong acids in its stomach, capable of destroying some diseases that might be present in its food.

Description: It has a tubular, pigmentless cylindrical body covered in toxic spines and studded with olfactory receptors. On each side of the body is four gills, as well as a gill frill. A protective layer of heat-proof scales covers the body. A simple gut, behind the pharynx, leads through the body, which is circulated by a semi-open circulatory system; capillaries cover the muscles, which also have special vacuoles, but the rest of the organs are bathed in chambers. The circulatory system is pumped by a tubular heart. A tiny brain and two nerve cords control the body. The body has vertebrae made of cartilage.

Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae, Olfactory Receptors, Spines

Discoverer: StealthStyle