Content:Phoxfirous

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Phoxfirous are alien creatures of the family Phosphoridae (which also includes the Thundercrest), though the most notable species belong to the genus Pyro. They are carnivorous, nocturnal hunters who travel in packs of four to six. They are named after the bioluminescent glow of their hides, which comes in different hues depending on the species (the species displayed on this page is Pyro chloros). The habitat of these creatures are flat, arid plains with low vegetation, much as can be found around the equator of its home planet.

Contents 1 Morphology and evolution 2 Behavior 3 In-game description 4 Taxonomy 5 Taxonomy 5.1 List of genera and species 6 External links

[edit] Morphology and evolution

All podurans such the Phoxfirous evolved from a tripedal ancestor with a single hind leg. Over time, as this creature favored more speed, its hind leg became a hindrance and remained as a tool solely for balance. Joints disappeared as the bones in this pseudo-tail became more and more rigid. Thus, the first poduran (meaning "leg tail") appeared on the planet. The descendants of this first bipedal ancestor retained some of its internal anatomy, including a second posterior hip solely for the attachment of the tail. This hip is movable and allows some degree of control over the tail that would otherwise be impossible due to the limb's rigidity.

In a Phoxfirous, this tail is very long and much more flexible due to the retainment of a second joint near the attachment point of the tail. This flexibility allows the creature to execute tight turns required in hunting the faster prey it prefers. The bones in the tail are also porous, and rings of muscles form a hollow "core" through the tail. Both of these features make the tail significantly lighter, aiding in locomotion. The Phoxfirous runs with a quick bipedal motion, capable of reaching speeds clocked at up to more than 45 mph.

The spiraling, horn-like head of the Phoxfirous houses a well-developed brain and a particularly large visual cortex. The "eyes" of this creature, like that of most other animals on its planet, are but translucent patches, barely visible even from close up. These visual organs capture colored light extremely effectively, but fail to register shapes well in the dark. Like all creatures of the infraorder Binara (meaning "double nostrils"), the Phoxfirous has two sets of nostrils - one located under its head, for the intake of air, and another located on its back, for exhalation. The position of these nostrils allows the Phoxfirous to take in air as it runs, and expel it with minimal effort. This is due to the presence of an open windpipe running through the creature's side that connects both nostrils. During very fast chase, a Phoxfirous may take a single, continuous breath of air, rather than many shorter breaths. However, individuals also have the ability to voluntarily close the openings to either nostril.

Perhaps the most conspicuous physiological trait of the Phoxfirous are the characterstic glowing patches on their backs and sides. These patches form when rods of modified muscle cells beneath the skin produce electricity, which triggers a reaction in a pigment to produce the distinctive glow. Each individual's particular set of patches is unique and forms a glowing "fingerprint" of the creature's identity. At night, these lights serve as signals to fellow pack members during hunts, to make their location known to the rest of the group. Of all Phoxfirous species, only the crepuscular Phaeos niger lacks these bioluminscent marks.

[edit] Behavior

As previously mentioned, Phoxfirous use their glowing hides to signal one another at night. They are non-hierarchical pack hunters, who seek out small- to medium-sized prey like Quillsprings. Males and females form separate packs, and make contact only to breed. Every pack employs a different strategy to bring down prey; however, every strategy involves surrounding and cornering the quarry, and requires precise communication among individuals. It is debated whether the high level of communication and social interaction displayed by these creatures points to a possible sapient intelligence, though most researchers believe they are only about as smart as Earth's dolphins.

Phoxfirous are partially ovoviviparous. The young develops inside an egg incubated in a special part of the mother's womb for up to ten months. Then, during the last month of development, the mother will lay the egg, or eggs, in a warm, protected place. The entire pack breeds and lays eggs at roughly the same time, and guard over their young as a group until they reach maturity. At that time, the juvenile Phoxfirous will either remain in their pack of birth, if allowed, form a new pack amongst themselves, or join another existing pack.

[edit] In-game description

The Phoxfirous's long tail is hollow and flexible so as not to hinder it during chase. These pack hunters use the bioluminescent patches on their bodies to signal one another at night. The large crest on the front of its body is its head.

Tags: biped, bioluminescent, long tail, nocturnal, green, black

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Unnamed
• Phylum: Arthroskeleta
• Class: Tripoda
• Order: Podura
• Infraorder: Binara
• Family: Phosphoridae
• Subfamily: Phosphorinae (a.k.a. Flytdais, 2008)

[edit] List of genera and species

• Pyro
  • P. chloros
    • P. chloros aphox
  • P. erythros
  • P. xanthos
• Phaeos
  • P. niger

[edit] External links

• Sporepedia: "Phoxfirous"