[Marine] Scythe Glider

Scythe glider

This carnivorous aquatic life form has been found riding large ocean currents. Saving most of its energy for hunting, it has evolved to easily glide the water at high speed.

The average Scythe Glider is about 70kg, 215cm long and 30cm tall. With long slender pectoral fins for tight maneuvering.(45cm)

It has 2 short triangular dorsal fins (15cm) along with a large forked caudal fin observed to be as large as 50cm from the dorsal tip to the ventral tip. We have found that the creature is lacking pelvic fins and has developed a second set of gills. Not only does it have a set of gills forward of the pectoral fins, but also a set running along the anterior ventral line about 1/3 the lengths the creature. Most likely an adaptation to increase breathing efficiency while giving chase to prey. The last notable fin is the anal fin. Like the name implies, there is a long and sharp retractable fin along the ventral posterior line. 62cm of razor sharp fin is held up against the body as a defense against other life forms. But while hunting, the fin is extended to cut up prey in fast strikes. The mouth is lacking any real teeth so all it can do is open wide and suck in what it has portioned for itself.

We have found 2 different colorations of the Scythe Glider.

The first being a deep blue with bright red fin tips and broken stripes running across its entire body. This has only been observed in deeper waters.  

The second is quite different. When encountering them in currents that passed near more shallow waters and reefs, they were far more colorful. The dorsal areas are light blues and aquas fading down to a sand color. They are also covered in spots that are pearlescent with tones that often matched the local corals and plants in the area.

The Scythe Glider has been observed to be mostly solitary and nomadic. However small schools of 2-3 have been seen in the deeper currents. Sadly we have not been able to witness any signs of group hunting as of now. 

Lastly my team has not been able to get close to one. Every attempt has ended in a quick escape. While it seems that they are scared when seeing us, perhaps it's best that non of us have gotten too close.