Creature:Phoxfirous

Phoxfirous are alien creatures of 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 habitat of these creatures are flat, arid plains with low vegetation, much as can be found around the equator of its home planet.

Physiology
The body of a Phoxfirous is low to the ground, with a long tail. The bones in the tail are light, and rings of muscles form a hollow "core" through the tail. Both of these features make the tail lighter, aiding in locomotion. It runs with a quick bipedal motion, capable of reaching speeds clocked at up to more than 30 mph. Another distinctive feature of the Phoxfirous is its spiraling, horn-like head. The "eyes" of this creature, like that of most other animals on its planet, are but opaque bulges, located on the sides of this headcrest. These visual organs capture colored light extremely effectively, but fail to register shapes well in the dark. Like all creatures of the order 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. During chase, an individual takes a single, long, involuntary breath of air, rather than many shorter breaths.

Perhaps the most distinguishing physiological trait of the Phoxfirous are the characterstic glowing patches on their backs and sides. These patches form as a result of a bioelectric reaction in the Phoxfirous' skin. 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 Pyro opacus lacks these bioluminscent marks.

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 alien intelligence, though most researchers believe they are only about as smart as Earth's dolphins.

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

Taxonomy

 * Kingdom: Unnamed
 * Phylum: Arthroskeleta
 * Subphylum: Tripoda
 * Class: Podura
 * Order: Binara
 * Family: Phosphoridae
 * Genus: Pyro (a.k.a. Flytdais, 2008)

List of species

 * Pyro chloros
 * P. chloros aphox
 * P. erythros
 * P. opacus
 * P. xanthos