Creature:Lanceph

Lancephs are aquatic aliens of the family Ensitrudidae. They are one of the largest discovered protoskeletates on the planet. In many marine ecosystems, they are the dominant predator, taking all manner of prey, and facing few rivals from other species. The species of Lanceph shown on this page is Ensitrudus longicirrus.

Physiology
Like all circumskeletates, Lancephs have no joints or spine, but a single barrel-like skeleton comprising multiple smaller plates fused together in a manner similar to a cranium. This skeleton serves to hold the creature's vital organs together, and maintains the creature's shape. An extension of this skeleton juts out from below the Lanceph's head, forming a large bony skewer, which the creature uses to pierce through prey. Its method of acceleration through the water is a series of tiny fins, which it flutters like a millipede's legs to achieve speeds in excess of 40 mph. It steers with two sets of long tentacles trailing behind it. Though, species of the genus Cirrocelerus, noted for being the largest among the Lancephs, both accelerate and steer through movement of the tentacles. Another anatomical trait of Lancephs is the three projections near the rear of the creature, which may aid in steering. Lancephs have a tube at the base of their heads that drains bodily fluids from pierced prey. They do not possess gills, and must surface to take in air.

Behavior
A few species hunt in small groups, but for the most part, Lancephs are solitary. When they encounter prey, they have been known to swim in large circles, building speed, before going in for the kill. They will aim with deadly precision at their target, skewering their bodies before they even become aware of the Lanceph's presence. Then, the creature will drain the victim of all blood and bodily fluids for sustenance, using the feeding tubes on their heads.

Lancephs are extremely migrant creatures, traveling at a whim across miles of ocean in search of food and mates. It is though that Lancephs mate for life, and care for their young for a few days after they are born.

In-game description
''This shark-like alien rotates and flutters the fin-like projections on its body to reach speeds of up to 45 mph in the water. At these speeds, one blow from its protruding head spike can pierce through a prey's body, making short work of it.''

Tags:aquatic, deadly, fin, lance, marine, skewer, spike, tentacles

Taxonomy
Pending classification


 * Kingdom: Unnamed
 * Phylum: Protoskeleta
 * Subphylum: ---
 * Class: Circumskeleta
 * Order: ---
 * Family: Ensitrudidae (a.k.a. Flytdais, 2008)

List of genera and species

 * Ensitrudus
 * E. longicirrus
 * E. pterygius
 * Cirrocelerus
 * C. bisector
 * C. falcifrontus
 * C. proboscifer