Species - Sea-Angel

Physical description
Bodies are primarily transparent with less transparent areas near the ends of the wings, bodies, and tentacles. They are squishy to the touch and offer a cooling sensation to the skin. They come in many different colours, typically warmer or cooler colours corresponding with water temperatures. They move through the water with their large "wings" that deliver small pulses against the water while their bodies flex for extra propulsion. These guys come in a wive range of colours and certain colours are often seen in certain areas of the ocean. Warmer colours can be found in warmer climates whereas cooler colours correspond with cooler climates. While in large clusters these guys tend to boast all kinds of colours regardless of their climate.
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Anatomy and dimensions
Their bodies are like the jellyfish on earth- very squishy and gel like. They can range from very small to very large depending on age. Their actual bodies are a disc shape and boast a flower-like design in the middle of their tops with bright veins flowing down and lining their bottom edges. Shorter tentacles hang off their sides which act as feelers. Wings are attached to their backs and aid in movement as well as a stabilizer when they feel like just floating around. under their mid section, Angels have two sets of tentacles on either side that extend out. These are primarily used for stinging while the large cluster of tentacles are used to wrap around or drape over prey. This same cluster are responsible for excreting their gel-like solution and for absorption of nutrients. As they age, their bodies get larger and their feeding tentacles grow longer and fuller.

Behavior
They are fairly docile and float around in the ocean. When frightened or in danger, their wings can propel them quickly in a short burst to safety. The larger they are, the more calm they become- though that's due to their defense mechanisms and if agitated or pestered enough they will begin stinging. As young, these jellies are much quicker.

Reproduction and development
Reproduction occurs in large clusters of angels. During mating seasons clusters reproduce in the same way as earth jellies in that they release their genetic material within the water. This material will combine together to form a small "larvae" that will grow into a tiny angel within a week's time.

Hunting and feeding behaviors
A sea-angel consumes its food by producing a type of gel that encases the prey in a sac which attaches itself to the middle of its body where nutrients will be absorbed. They do not feed often and absorption will occur for a week or two depending on the size of the prey and the size of the angel. They usually prey on fish though can become predatory to other kinds of jellies.

Communication
These guys can communicate with their glowing auras. When in distress, their bodies will pulse warmer colours often times bright pinks and oranges where as when calm they tend to hold a steady glow that does not pulse.

Ecology
While they prefer to live in clusters closer to the shoreline, they can be found in many different levels of the sea. These guys come in a wive range of colours and certain colours are often seen in certain areas of the ocean. Warmer colours can be found in warmer climates whereas cooler colours correspond with cooler climates. While in large clusters these guys tend to boast all kinds of colours regardless of their climate.

Habitat
They live in groups scattered around the oceans of Dexteyria. Depending on their size and age, they can be either prey or predator. Their bodies resemble that of an Earth jellyfish and they inhabit both warm and cool ocean climates as well as deep and shallow. While they prefer to live in clusters closer to the shoreline, they can be found in many different levels of the sea.

Farming
Indigenous tribes often catch and harvest younger sea-angels for its cooling effect, using it as remedies against sickness and injuries as well as burns. They can also be caught and stored in pouches and used to rehydrate an individual when small potions are eaten.

Information and Sea-Angel species © Laura Belcher 2014
Not for free use.