Creature:Thundercrest

Thundercrest is a species (Styracolophus brontocephalus) of alien closely related to the Phoxfirous. Both belong to the family Phosphoridae.

Physiology
Like all dinarans, the Thundercrest has a low build, two powerful legs, and a long, thick tail, as well a second set of nostrils to aid in respiration during running (this set is located on its back). The sweeping crest on its head bears six long spikes. More importantly, the lower crest houses a brain-like organ that emits powerful electric currents to kill small prey. The electricity is produced by special muscle fibers in the Thundercrest's side. These tissues, and the glowing patches on the bodies of Phoxfirous, are thought to be homologous structures. Unlike many electrogenic creatures on its planet, the Thundercrest is not capable of electro-navigation or -reception. It uses small, forward-facing eyes located on the sides of its head.

Behavior
Unlike the closely related Phoxfirous, the Thundercrest is a solitary hunter, seeking out very small prey. After chasing it down, it stuns or even kills its prey with a release of 1200 volts from its headcrest. The spikes on its head are used in territorial fights by both sexes. Though the fights usually do not end in death, many are the Thundercrest that can be seen with gaping scars along the front of their bodies. The habitat of the Thundercrest is sub-desert velds and arid steppes. Thus, some of its range overlaps with that of the Phoxfirous, and interspecies conflicts are frequent.

In-game description
Closest living relative of the Phoxfirous; however, unlike its brightly-lit cousin, the Thundercrest uses the patches along its legs and head not to illuminate its hide, but to generate strong currents of electricity to stun or even kill its prey.

Tags: biped, electrogenic, electricity, spikes, carnivore, black

Taxonomy

 * Kingdom: Unnamed
 * Phylum: Arthroskeleta
 * Subphylum: Tripoda
 * Class: Podura
 * Order: Dinara
 * Family: Phosphoridae
 * Genus: Styracolophus (a.k.a. Flytdais, 2008)
 * Species: Brontocephalus (a.k.a. Flytdais, 2008)