Coral Dweller

”Whether or not the Asian dragon exists, I’m afraid I don’t know. I personally some day hope to find a true Asian Lung of legend. However, this dragon comes remarkably close to the beautiful beasts depicted in stone and tapestry. It may be that this creature inspired mankind, and over time, its visage was altered into what we are all familiar with today.

“This specimen was found near Australia, oddly enough; though it’s kind has been spotted in the costal waters of Japan as well. Like the stereotypical Asian dragon, however, it is associated with water and in all actuality, is amphibious. It spends most of its time in the water, however, where it avoids land predators that can outrun it. In the ocean, however, even sharks cannot keep up with it.

“Either way, this specimen closely resembles the traditional Asian creature… however, it seems that this one is in many ways, very different. For one, the ‘beard and whiskers’ of a traditional Asian dragon are often depicted as being hair… yet, in this specimen, the beard-like protrusions are in all actuality a combination of spines, and sensitive tendrils that both help it feel around in the darkness of the nighttime ocean, as well as deter would-be attackers from damaging its face and eyes.

“The ‘whiskers’ are like the other hair-like adaptations, yet however, are far more useful than mere whiskers. These are actually long tendrils, tipped with bioluminescent patches on either side. These are used much in the same way an angler fish does, luring in prey that is attracted by the little light. However, unlike the anglerfish, these tendrils have tiny, venomous stinging cells called cnidoblasts, much like jellyfish. The dragon can wrap the tendril around its prey, paralyzing it for quick consumption, which is aided by a largish jaw, slightly reminiscent of a gulper eel.

“The Dragon’s ‘mane’ while hair like, is actually a colorful fin meant for display to others of its species, much like that of a Beta. This fin-mane flows beautifully, and the vibrancy of color is most likely a health indicator. A good show for the opposite sex.

“Also, this specimen was later seen carrying around a large, round rock. It ended up using it to pulverize animals that would otherwise be a very uncomfortable swallow, such as sea urchins and crabs. This may be where the legendary dragon’s ‘pearl or wisdom’ came from.

”One thing that is unlike traditional depictions of traditional Asian dragons, however, is the presence of two fins on either side of its back, which it uses for steering and even lazy propulsion. These can be folded up against its sides, and the membranes connecting the spines are covered in chromatophores, expanding and contracting pigment cells that cause the membranes to ‘change color.’ This is used as an aid in communication in between individuals. However, upon examination of a skeleton of one of these creatures, it was discovered that these fins are actually ruminants of wings, thus explaining the spur at the shoulder. This suggests, that the calmer, more peaceful Asian aquatic species is descended from European ancestors.

“This dragon, while it can absorb some oxygen through its fins and tendrils from the water, must breath air in order to survive like many land-descended aquatic species. This, however, is often used to its advantage. Its lungs are long and thin, spanning much of its elongated torso. When filled with air, they can help the dragon be buoyant.

”This is particularly useful for mating displays, in which the dragons ‘porpoise’ or propel themselves out of the water at great speeds, throwing themselves far into the air. They twist and curl as they fall, giving the impression of a ribbon on the wind. So, while the depictions of Asian dragons twisting and curling through the air may indeed be true… sadly, if these were what mankind originally saw, they were not flying.

“These creatures are incredibly intelligent, and with the advent of boats and the like, they have become largely nocturnal, seen less and less by mankind. Luckily, this young one was curious about us and ventured rather close, allowing us to follow it. I hope to come across many more of this particular species soon. It has been a delightful change of pace from my normal research regarding far more dangerous creatures, such as demons and lycanthropes.”

God, I love reinventing creatures like this… and coming up with creatures with believable adaptations and behaviors. It just… makes me all kinds of happy. And while I love the traditional oriental dragon, I kinda think this fellow is a bit cool too. I unfortunately discovered late one night, however, that I suck at drawing coral, and have very few images of it in books. ::Chuckles:: I suppose that’s my cue to go get more reference.

Either way… if you managed to read through all of my biology babble, you are officially a very patient person.