#cercopagis

#082: Gammaryon

Having managed to connect to the mind of the universe, this Oneiroclade can appear & multiply anywhere within our universe, and manipulate its matter to their whim.

Gammaryons in particular manipulate the atomic nuclei of the matter around it to emanate Gamma Rays, in order to fry their prey alive. They are mostly seen flying at extremely high altitudes, but if these reality-transcending predators were to enter our atmosphere, they could devastate all life inside it. However, if they were to cause the apocalypse on a whim then they'd have nothing to eat, they understand basic ecology. They might possess powers beyond that of most lifeforms, and actively hunt us, but they're polite about it. So don't worry about them! Unless you encounter one up close… as merely looking at their image can hurt you

Fishhook Waterflea (Cercopagis pengoi)

Taxonomy: Animalia, Arthropoda, Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Cladocera, Cercopagididae, Cercopagis, C. pengoi

Description: Ranging from 1-3mm, these crustaceans are characterised by their 6-13mm long ‘tails’, predatory front limbs and distinctive domed heads. Their second pair of antennae are positioned behind their heads, giving the appearance of ‘wings’. At the base of their tails are three spiny structures.

Lifestyle: C. pengoi are found natively in the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea; they are also invasive to European waters as well. They are tolerant of a large range of water salinities, meaning that they can survive in saline and fresh water. C. pengoi are predatory, and feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton.