Fishing for Fishies
Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).
Setting-
It's a warm day out in the water near subjadixar Anser. A congregation of Spectral Hammerheads convenes over a shallow reef, preying upon the Mackerel Keeljaws foolish enough to leave the relative safety of the coral shelves. A Belhekh- a toxic Anserian flatworm- swims by, content with the fact that it is in no danger.
Specific Context-
Spectral Hammerhead
(Sphyracephalus australis)
The Spectral Hammerhead is a small argus native to the southern oceans of Anser. It is commonly observed flying low, just above the water's surface. When it spots a fish, it lunges to grab it before flying off once more.
Interestingly, around 89% of the surveyed population of this species have shown signs of a symbiotic relationship with the Kos slime mold. This symbiosis is believed to increase cognitive reaction time in the machine. Hammerheads are also incredibly prone to contracting and carrying parasites, although very few of these are transmissible to humans.
They are remarkably drab in colouration compared to most other arguses, despite this, they retain the brightly-coloured tail of their ilk, flashing it when frustrated. However, they also tend to flash their tails in a non-threatening manner. When a hammerhead is about to lunge at a fish, it will often shake its tail, perhaps to signify to other nearby individuals where food can be found.
