Duocerus longus

Duocerus longus
Creator	Artemis
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	7
Roles	Predator
Classification
Genus	Duocerus
Species	Duocerus longus
Evolution
Date	January 23rd, 2020
Ancestor	Duocerus pluma
Descendants	No results

Duocerus longus

Duocerus longus is a descendant of Duocerus pluma that adapted to grow longer appendages to allow for a greater amount of prey capture at a time. The appendages now reach 23cm long and are held more upright. The appendages have increased musculature to better support the added length.The 3-4cm body rests under the substrate with its two appendages and mouth exposed to capture and eat food.

D. longus will eat its appendages if they get damaged or worn and will begin growing a new appendage in its place thanks to a breakage plane at the base of each appendage that has stem cells able to form the organs again. Regrowing the appendages takes longer because of their added length.

D. longus has two distinct sexes, male and female, during spring months when ocean productivity is highest D. longus will release large amounts of sperm and eggs into the water. When an egg is fertilized it will form into a planktonic larval stage that is 0.5cm long and utilizes an early version of its appendages for slight directed movement. The larva will feed on particulate organic matter and microbes in the water column. Once the larva grows to around 1cm it will use its appendages to swim to the substrate where it will bury itself with the mouth and appendages exposed. The immature will remain this way as it grows to adulthood.