Searchlights remake
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Subject Profile
Ocellolychnus chrysitis, nicknamed ‘Searchlights’ by personnel, are whale-sized deep-sea dwelling Ambulacrarians. O. chrysitis was discovered during initial exploration of The Arcanamare Zone but not formally studied until after the Profundum Foundation had finished construction. They have not received an ANO classification due to being recognised as wild animals. The genus name Ocellolychnus is derived from the Latin word Ocellus—meaning eye—and Lychnus—meaning lamp.
The definition of their scientific name—Golden Eye Lamp—comes from a specialised bioluminescent organ in the shape of a ring that surrounds their eyes. This photophore is arranged with cells known as photocytes capable of producing bright spotlights to illuminate the sea floor; aiding them in finding food. Furthermore, O. chrysitis has telescopic eyes which allow it to zoom in on prey items to ensure they succeed in striking their target. Computational Phylogenetics indicates a distant relationship of the Ocellolychnus genus to the phylum Echinodermata.
When prey enters their beam of light, the creature will rapidly coordinate their eyes and focus on the target. In addition, a long stretchy tentacle ending in a chitinous knife is ejected from the mouth and towards their prey at deadly speeds; spearing it before dragging them inside the maw.
They have 2 bioluminescent yellow flippers hanging from their sides that are used for movement, and a long tail ending in a bioluminescent yellow fin used for stabilisation and propulsion. This species breathes underwater utilising a set of gills that sit beside their mouth. Dissection and study has revealed that, because O. chrysitis evolved incredible vision to complement their bright spotlights, the occipital lobe takes up most of the brain, which means these animals have not been bestowed with great intelligence. Ocellolychnus’ are noted to primarily move in groups, although it is not uncommon to find a specimen traveling on its own. A group of Ocellolychnus is called a Floodlight.
The youngest stage of an Ocellolychnus’ lifespan are referred to as Lightbulbs. They are far less intimidating than their adult counterparts, as they measure only 3 feet in length and swim close to the sea floor. Lightbulbs are scavengers who feed on the faeces and carcasses of other animals.
O. chrysitis specimens can live for up to ~ 80 years, reaching sexual maturity at ~ 23. They do not remain with their mates after successfully reproducing and will breed with multiple partners throughout their lifetime. Female Ocellolychnus are the largest of this species, being longer than an adult baelanoptera musculus musculus and weigh in at 150 to 160 tons. Male O. chrysitis are approximately half the size of females, have wider bodies, and smaller fins.
Strategy
In the event that Elucidation diving personnel encounter a wild Ocellolychnus chrysitis, it is recommended to swim away from its path or hide inside a nearby solid object or cave. If neither options are available, personnel are advised to swim above the animal or manoeuvre through its spotlights as a last resort.