#cryptobiology

[nemfrog]

"The 'sea serpent' as seen from H.M. Yacht Osborne."

Sea monsters unmasked. 1883.

Internet Archive

[institute-for-cryptobiology]

Mermaids are a family of predatory aquatic vertebrates that use elaborate lures to attract prey.

While their precise classification has been greatly disputed, analysis of their feeding apparati has led to the widely accepted proposal that they are conodonts, members of a class that split from what would eventually become fish before the development of jaws.

Although mermaids are quite diverse, the overall layout of their body is similar:

They possess an elongate body similar to that of an eel equipped with more or less specialized fins depending on the species. The body ends in a primitive maw that, rather than a pair of jaws, uses a set of 13 bone growths each with rudimentary but very long and sharp teeth. Due to the lack of a jaw, the maw functions as a sphincter.

While most of their body is very simple and has remained mostly the same for about 250 million years, the most intricate part of the mermaids’ anatomy is the lure: inside their mouths, mermaids possess an elaborate muscular structure that might have evolved from a rudimentary tongue. The exact layout of that structure differs not only by species but also by individual within a species. All known mermaid species use this structure as a lure. While some species possess only simplistic lures that may imitate a flailing fish, other species use lures that even upon closer inspection resemble a human torso.

The lures are used to attract prey, either by appearing helpless and in need of help or by imitating easy prey. Once prey approaches and touches the lure, the mermaid uses the muscular lure to grab the prey, then retracts the lure into its mouth, dragging the prey with it. Mermaids’ feeding apparati very quickly cut into the victims’ flesh and tear it apart, leading to severe loss of blood.

There are 812 recorded species of mermaid, which are divided into five suborders. Most species of mermaid are highly specialized regarding their prey.

The largest suborder of mermaids are the Reedwight Mermaids. They inhabit shallow freshwater rivers, and reach sizes between eight and thirty centimeters. Most Reedwight Mermaids prey on small fish and amphibians, and possess lures that imitate insect larvae or fish. A notable outlier is the eponymous Reedwight Mermaid, that grows to up to thirty-five centimeters. Unlike its close relatives, it possesses an elaborate lure that imitates young waterfowl swimming on the surface of the river. When birds of prey attempt to attack the supposed easy prey, they are dragged underwater. Reedwight mermaids are found around the world, except in arctic climates.

In the tropical and tropical climates of Africa, another suborder of river-dwelling mermaids can be found, the Stormflood Mermaids. Stormflood Mermaids lay their eggs in the beds of rivers that dry out in the summer, and spawn when sudden rains flood not only the river but surrounding plains as well. They reach sizes between twenty and eighty centimeters, and largely prey on wading birds.

There is only one species of mermaid that lives in freshwater lakes, the Baikal Mermaid, which forms its own suborder. The bait on Baikal Mermaids strongly resembles a Baikal Seal. The seals have very few other natural predators, and the mermaids feed on nothing else, which leads to strong fluctuations in their respective populations depending on each other.

The fourth and most well-known suborder of mermaids are the Reef Mermaids, or True Mermaids. They are a very diverse suborder, with sizes ranging from thirty centimeter to three meters. Many species of small True Mermaids are ubiquitous in coral reefs, where they prey on fish and molluscs. Most famous, of course, are the species that prey on humans. There are thirteen recorded species that use human-like lures, ranging from smaller species whose lures resemble arms reaching out for help to large species that procedures articulated lures resembling human torsos. The most intricate lures possess rudimentary photosensitive eyes, functioning arms, and small openings through which the mermaids can blow air to produce whistling sounds.

The most mysterious suborder of mermaids are Abyssal Mermaids. There are, to date, only two described species of Abyssal Mermaids, but it is likely that there are more. Abyssal Mermaids spawn near the shore, and remain there until they reach adolescence. Until this point in their development, they strongly resemble Loreley, a species of Reef Mermaids with highly articulated false arms. They do, however, reach sizes up to six times that of Loreley, with the biggest observed specimen measuring in excess of fifteen meters.

Once they have grown up, Abyssal Mermaids begin diving deep into the abyssopelagic zones of the ocean. Although no live specimen in this stage of their life have been retrieved, observations suggest that they lose most of the articulate parts of their lures. It is unclear whether they continue hunting prey, as there are very few humans at the bottom of the oceans, but the existence of anthropomorphic anglerfish suggests that they retain their prey drive.

Abyssal Mermaids mate in the total darkness of the abyssopelagic zone, and have not been observed leaving it again. It is unclear for how long they survive after leaving the sunlight. Their eggs are encased in a sturdy shell and entirely round, and rise to the surface as they contain small bubbles of air.

[fishyfishyfishtimes]

Daily mermaid fact #742

Certain merfolk can go into a state of dormancy when temperatures become too cold to bear! When faced with freezing temperatures, a merson's movements first become sluggish and clumsy, and their thoughts become foggy. Their heart rate and bodily functions begin slowing down, and soon they will fall into a deep sleep. They tend to sleep for periods of a few days at a time, waking up for brief moments. Once temperatures warm up again, their metabolism picks up and they go back to normal living and a normal sleep cycle.

Hibernation was an important factor in the survival of the first cold climate merfolk. It allowed them to survive the hostile aquatic environment they were forced into, though nowadays hibernation is not recommended for health reasons if one can help it. Hibernation takes a toll on the body, causing stunted growth and weakened immune system function, and may even lead to a shorter lifespan in the long run.

While merfolk of colder climates with icy winters tend to be able to hibernate, others… may not. Merfolk that originate from warmer climates tend to die from hypothermia if exposed to freezing cold for too long, just like "normal" humans.

[dylweedwastaken]

I love the Crryptobiology series on YT by Thought Potato, but I think he overcomplicated 1 thing;

Vampires and Crucifixes/ Crosses. His lore was too complicated for me to remember when it could've been very simple. Vampires are not harmed by crosses, and the stories we hear about them being thwarted by crosses come from Europe in the 17th century.

If vampirism was veiwed as unholy, even by vampires, then holding cross to one would be like holding a lighting rod to God at them, thus the aversion to crucifixes. It's not biological. It's a religious thing.

[yourfaveisanavatar]

the cryptobiologist from thought potato’s cryptobiology series is an avatar of the eye!

[trashburgersblair]

God I have so many thoughts about centaurs.

Mainly about how stupid they are if they were to actually exist. And how impossible it is for convergent evaluation to somEHOW make the body of A fucking HORSE, and then decide OH ya, you know whats practical and totattlly possible, A FULLY FUCKING FUNCANING HUMAN TORSO.

I could go on about this for a while, so let me know if you want to see that I guess

[beastswithoutburdencomic]

Mississippi Mudbender

(floviomimicus Mississius)

a voice from the riverbed.

ENDANGERED

Classification: River spirit; vocal mimic.

Level of danger posed to humans is minimal.

   Mississippi Mudbenders, known colloquially as “mudbenders” or “mudders” (Smith, 1946), are a rare type of water spirit which inhabit the waters of the Mississippi River.

   Urban legends hold that if someone wanders too close to the water a mudbender will steal their soul (Wardview Review vol.23, 2021). In doing so, they use the voice of the soul to lure concerned loved ones to the water’s edge to provide ready meals for their children. While these legends are true insofar as the mudbender’s ability to store both souls and voices, almost all recorded mudbender encounters have described the souls of fish being the sole souls found stolen (The Evolution of the Piscine Soul, 2017).

   Mudbenders have been known to avoid humans and human civilization as much as they are physically able. Their disposition is naturally shy and avoidant, making it harder to gauge whether conservation efforts have helped replenish the population to any significant degree (Census of Mythical and Otherwise Unnatural Beings in Missouri, 2020).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

   These spirits are known to inhabit the freshwater Mississippi River. It was originally thought that Mudbenders solely inhabited the temperate waters of the Mississippi River running through the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee. However, due to the discovery of a mudbender specimen in the Tennessee River Basin, it is suspected that a small population may also reside in the rivers of the southern Appalachian Mountains (Appalachian Aquatic Cryptozoological Society, 2021).

  Mudbenders primarily prefer shade to sun when out of the water. They rest by burrowing under the mud along riverbanks and leaving the topmost part of their skin exposed to take in oxygen. Mothers will burrow in the stretch of river near where their tadpoles swim. Juvenile mudbenders will burrow in the riverbed of the shallow waters to complete their metamorphosis from tadpole to adult.

   During the first frost, adult mudbenders will burrow into the riverbed of the Mississippi River and enter a hibernation state wherein they will magically freeze, regardless of the state of the river itself. At the spring equinox they will thaw and rise from the silt, mimicking voices from any human or other creature that approaches the water. In areas where mudbenders are suspected to gather for purposes of reproduction, it has been said that the air is filled with "the voices of the dead" (Folktales: how the Disadvantaged Survive Where the Supernatural Thrive, 1989).

CHARACTERISTICS

   Adult mudbenders generally reach a length of about 6-9ft, with the largest specimen found measuring at a length of 18ft (Wardview Review vol.23, 2021). Their dark, wrinkled skin acts as camouflage which allows them to hide beneath mud. Their naturally avoidant dispositions have led to a few rare encounters wherein a human mistakes its exposed back for a stone and steps on it, causing it to burrow deeper under the mud. Its broad, flat head is thought to assist with camouflage as well (Camille & Jefferys, 2003). Its wide mouth has been known to hold a dislocating jaw, which allows the river spirit to swallow prey up to two times its size when biting with its blunt teeth are not enough to strip the flesh.

   Its large eyes hold rudimentary sight, so it primarily hunts by feeling differences in the water around its body. Its porous skin is outfitted with nerve endings which allow it to sense electromagnetic fields, meaning that they are capable of sensing displacement in the water. Their skin, additionally, is able to take in oxygen from both the air and water. Its claws are often blunt, as the majority of its hunting is done via biting, swallowing, or by stunning prey with a hit from its powerful tail.

   The Mississippi Mudbender is distinct from other species in its genus in that the souls that it acquires are stored within bony protrusions which grow through the skin along its spine. These bony protrusions take the form of the face of the animal or human whose soul is contained within, and can be removed without incident (Wardview Review vol.23, 2021).

           It is also capable of minor terraforming magic, allowing it to turn any dry land it comes into contact with into swampland. In cases where it is in danger of death, it will summon floodwaters which will flood the immediate area and drown any land bound creature in its path. It is also capable of forming silt into muddy decoys of itself to confuse potential enemies and escape.

   It is unknown how long a mudbender is capable of living as they are so rare that it is almost impossible to find the same specimen that has been tagged, even through magical means.

 All attempts to take a mudbender specimen into captivity have ended in disaster (Vieira et. al, 1987). As such, no further attempts have been made.

DIET

   Mississippi Mudbenders primarily eat insects, shrimp, and fish. The mudbender’s main hunting strategy involves making sounds which mimic the noise that the movement of much smaller fish make, opening its mouth wide, and luring prey into its jaws. When faced with larger prey, such as the blue catfish, mudbenders have been known to actively pursue prey (Wardview Review vol.20, 2018). They have been known to target larger prey when stranded on land, such as small rodents, deer, or foxes.

  The souls of its prey are stored within the bony protrusions which grow along its spine, providing a unique opportunity to ecologists, as their dietary records are displayed on their backs.

  When feeding its young, female mudbenders will strike their backs against the rocks to dislodge some of the souls within, which she will then take to her children. Tadpole mudbenders feed primarily upon the souls of the meals their mothers have previously eaten.

   There have been few documented cases of a mudbender being found which had a human soul trapped in its back (Folktales: how the Disadvantaged…, 1989). These cases are incredibly rare, as Mississippi Mudbenders tend to avoid humans and, in fact, mimic human voices to scare other predators away. For a mudbender to attack a human, the animal in question would need to be actively starving and/or desperate to return to the main river.

           Mudbender offspring appear to prefer the souls of blue catfish to any other animal (Wardview Review vol.7, 2005).

LIFE CYCLE

   Not much is known about the mating process of the Mississippi Mudbender as only female specimens have been found. What is known is that once the spring equinox arrives, mudbenders will thaw themselves from the river bottom and rise from the silt to migrate toward an unknown breeding ground. Efforts to find the location of the grounds themselves have been fruitless (Vieira et. al, 1987).

   After mating, the mudbender will carry the fertilized eggs within the empty pockets where souls have been dislodged from its back to their own territories. Once there, the mother will bury the eggs along the riverbank and guard them fiercely until the day of their hatching, around the months of May-June.

   When the larval mudbenders hatch, the area around where the mudbender created her nest will become wholly devoid of sound for an indeterminate amount of time. This is because the larval mudbenders are absorbing the first sounds that they hear for later use. After sound is restored to the area, the mudbender mother will stand over the larval offspring until they grow into proper tadpoles, feeding them pieces of the souls leftover from previous meals.

  Once its offspring enter the tadpole stage, the mother will artificially flood the area and sweep her children into the river, where she will teach them how to hunt and use their mimicked sounds. Tadpoles will slowly grow limbs over time and generally reach a juvenile, in between stage once they are able to independently flex the muscles in their arms.

  The approximate timeline of development is unknown, but it is known that juvenile mudbenders will be taught how to hibernate, and that by the next spring equinox, they will emerge as newly matured adults. It is unknown if this aligns with reproductive maturity or not. Once the Mississippi Mudbender becomes an adult, they leave the territory of their mother in search of their own (Wardview Review vol.7, 2005).

  The exact length of the Mudbender’s natural lifespan is unknown.

ENDANGERED STATUS

   Their numbers have dwindled considerably over the previous 70 years due to a Midwest-wide extermination campaign led by hunters who had mistaken the creatures for the invasive siltscreamer (floviomimicus Cruciatus), an enchanted animal with a similar penchant for vocal mimicry. While efforts to educate hunters about the difference between the delivery of mimicry between these two spirits appear to have been moderately successful, the number of mudbenders has dropped to the point where many hunters will never encounter one (Census of Mythical and Otherwise Unnatural Beings, 2020).

   In addition, hunter-led efforts to circumvent conservation efforts via reclassifying any supernatural creature (directly or indirectly) related to the human soul as an inherent public hazard have increased due to misinformation funded by the Gatling family. This misinformation is in light of a now-debunked study completed by Mr. William Valentine. Said study purported to prove definitively that humans required souls of a certain ‘vitality level’ in life, and that contact with certain supernatural creatures- such as mimics, perception-alterers, or cognitiers- would cause near irreversible damage to the soul, leading to increased risk of diseases such as “an incredible amount of cancer, various schizophrenias, and leaky gut” (Valentine, 2001). This would, in turn, affect the possibility of a human soul remaining as a ghost after death.

   It comes as little surprise that Mr. Valentine had his PhD revoked shortly after Dr. Amona El-Idrissi revealed evidence of both unreliable testing and wholly falsified data. While Dr. El-Idrissi’s methods leave a little to be desired in terms of depth, the reliability of his findings are incredibly strong, and his work ethic in uncovering the scandal is rather admirable.

  Unfortunately, despite evidence to the contrary, a large subset of the hunter community still perpetuate the harmful ideas of the soul expressed in Mr. Valentine’s paper, putting soul-affecting species such as the Mississippi Mudbender at greater risk of eradication. It is my hope that in writing this, I might highlight the beauty of these creatures’ existence and encourage others to protect that which at first seems alien, frightening, or, perhaps, even antithetical to human existence.

  These that are termed ‘monsters’ are trying to live their lives, just as we do.

[ William “Whit” Valencia (he/him) is a former graduate of the Valencia Veterinary Clinic’s cryptozoology care internship and a former PhD candidate in the Cryptozoological Studies program of Wardview University. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

If you would like to support the Wardview Scrivener’s Guild in its ongoing commitment to preserving records of all things supernatural, please read our webcomic. ]

[dangerkeith3000x]