Red Thorny Demon
Daemonichthys acerpinnae is a tropical amphibian naturally found living in the Bubble Sea.
This animal's diet is mostly based on Bubble syrup they extract from the big, spherical, leaves of the Bubble trees using their specialized tuberculus.
Through convergent evolution the species adapted its mouth into a tuberculus like structure not too far dissimilar from that of the Tubercolosthomatosoidea, although the two don't share any common ancestors.
D. acerpinnae is one of the few genera under the family Daemonidae and one of the most derived with the only close extant relative being the Ocellated Notega; most of the family went extinct leaving it as the only derived genus still alive.
Both the Premaxillary and Maxillary plates extrude in crater-like structures, while the now reduced mandibular plate alongside the Crista Supraocularis protrude and form horns.
The once Temporal and Postcranial plates have now become spikes and the fins are long and spear shaped.
The bright colors evolved D. acerpinnae are made to perfectly blend with its surroundings so that this animal can swim unnoticed by predators such as young Rainbow Alamaninia while continuing sucking sap from its main food source.
D. acerpinnae is often found "parasitizing" Bubble Tree cultivations and thus the use of pesticides has become mandatory in those cultivations afflicted by this parasitic creature.
The drastic drop in this animal's population is adversely affecting the whole Bubble sea's ecosystem; in more recent years several Syrup cultivations started employing the use of Young Alamaninias to try and naturally contain the animal's population without completely eradicating this keystone species from its environment.
Basic Information
Anatomy
- Head highly specialized.
- Mouth derived into a tuberculus.
- Cranial armor segmented; four horns protruding from the cranial plates.
- Dorsal armor derived into a row of osteoderms.
- Fins elongated and spear shaped (from which the animal takes its species name).
- Pectoral fins ventrally orientated and moved ventrally to the body.
- Anal I and II elongated and slightly orientated caudally in rest position.
- Dorsal fin caudally moved and very elongated.
- Short Gill tail ending in a subrectangular Gill fan with an almost vertical Caudal drop.
Genetics and Reproduction
Seasonal monogamy.
The species reproduces during the Bubble tree blossoming season.
Females will be in charge of choosing the mate, selecting the ones with the bigger horns and brightiest colors.
The ideal mating grounds for the species are in the thick of the bubble forest, where they are protected from predators.
The females will remain protected in the thick forest during the incubation period while the males will gather food in the upper forest, where the Bubble leaves are found.
The males will bring the harvested food to the females and collectively feed them, be they their partner or not.
After ten to fifteen days of gestation, the females will lay the eggs along the tree trunks, where they'll stay two to three days before hatching.
The newborn amphibians will be fed by their community for the first three weeks of life, feeding on the syrup the adults will release in the water for them to drink.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ontogenesis not very marked in the species,
Loss of natal aculeus after a few hours from birth.
Ecology and Habitats
Epipelagic animals found in depths between 0 and 30 m deep.
They need clear waters with plenty of foliage coverage to hide in.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Mostly specialistic diet based on Bubble syrup they extract from the spherical leaves through the use of their tuberculus.
They are a keystone species in their environment as they naturally regulate Bubble tree growth and allow the ecosystem itself to thrive.
Biological Cycle
Sexual maturity at seven months of age.
Periannial with no dips in the creature's activity.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Not particularly social although they like to live in small communities of their own, sharing the same hiding spots and plants.
They don't have special interactions within the loose group outside of parenting for the youngs.
Domestication
Rarely kept in home aquariums due to the very demanding diet and costly upkeep, this animal's difficulty to keep in captivity is also contributing to its decline.
Found in some public aquariums in exhibits on the bubble sea.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Oftentimes seen as a pest, this animal is of low economic interest and often eradicated through the use of pesticides.
Nevertheless it's also quite appreciated in snorkling and diving communities, where its resplendant colors and quirky nature attract enthusiasts from all over the surrounding areas.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Exceptional color vision.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
In a mutualistic relationship with the Bubble trees; they feed on the syrup contained inside the leaves in exchange for protection from parasites, which they'll crush with their heads.
Considered parasitic for human's cultivations as they suck away some of the precious liquid inside them, reducing the overall efficiency of the farm.
Scientific Name
Eoichthyia; Tartarosomnia; Scutocephalidae; Daemonidae ; Daemonichthys; D. acerpinnae
Lifespan
4 years
Conservation Status
Endangered: After many years of cultivations exterminating the animal as a parasite, the populations decreased to a point where the whole species had to be re-evaluated and classified as Endangered. Even if some efforts to save the species are underway, these last one are not nearly enough to stop its decline.
Syrup coltures are a multibillion Unity industry with strong interests in keeping their coltures safe from parasitic species.
Population trend: DECLINE
Average Weight
150 to 400 gr
Average Length
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Red body with yellow-orange to bright orange patterns on the dorsal and ventral surface; darker markings along the mid section of the body.
Dorsal spikes ending in yellow tips.
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