Moon Ray

Moon rays are a species of fish largely domesticated by the davites of the Outer Ocean. They are named after their bioluminescent appearance present when the 77th moon, the bright blue moon Icara, reaches its closest point to the planet Dave in its elliptical orbit.

Anatomy

Moon rays have small bodies dominated by their magnificent pectoral fins. These fins give the animals a wingspan of about 20 feet. Moon rays have long, wire like tails ending in an unusual set of spikes formed on a large fin, designed to smack into predators as a warning, or penetrate skin and draw blood and scare them away.

These animals are unique amongst fish and rays as they have a very distinct head shape. Rather than having a head attached directly to the body, moon rays have long necks. Their mouths are difficult to notice at a glance, as instead it is a series of small holes that funnel water through, absorbing nutrients while expelling the excess water and inedible substances.

Moon Ray by Mochi

Moon rays have a common colouration in predator and prey animals, with a darker blue back and a lighter blue belly. The darker blue back camouflages the animal from above, as it blends in with the darker depths, while from below it camouflages with sunlight from the ocean's surface. Because of this, moon rays live fairly close to the surface of the water.

Bioluminescence

Moon rays are bioluminescent, but only under strict circumstances. the 77th largest moon orbiting Dave, known as Icara, contains a magnetic substance called caeralium. Caeralium is bright blue, and is magnetically attracted to rubelium, a red magnetic substance found in the Obsidian Stone.

When these two substances come into close contact with each other, they create what is known as a bioluminescent atmosphere. In this atmosphere, dormant bioluminescent chemicals within animals and plants glow, but only whilst they are within this atmosphere. That is why moon rays only glow when the Obsidian Stone and Icara meet, once a year when these two are closest to each other.

Diet

Many animals on Dave are filter feeders, and moon rays are no exception. These animals have a primitive mouth, with countless small holes where a mouth would ordinarily be to take in water and all of its nutrients, including plankton and microbacterias. Because moon rays consume whatever is in the waters, they develop immunities to all sorts of waterborne diseases from birth and many believe these immunities are innate.

Moon rays are so popular as domesticated animals because they require no food. They are simply let to wander the waters and take in as much food as they like, as they burn it rather fast. As well, moon rays are able to consume food while asleep or occupied, and this automatic consumption makes them one of the easiest animals to take care of in terms of diet.

Domestication

Moon rays are the most common domesticated animal in the Outer Ocean. Their docile nature, speed and strength make them great animals for transport and as company.

Moon rays have been kept as transport animals ever since davites first explored the Outer Ocean. After discovering they could survive in this ocean, the davites made several settlements on the Obsidian and Aura Stones, but primarily the Aura Stones. After discovering the moon ray species, their inquisitive natures led them to befriending this docile species.

After thousands of years, these animals are a domestic species and are synonymous with the davites. Each culture practically worships this species, as they provide great company to those lonely, provide transport thanks to their great strength and speed, and they are very easy to take care of.

Since domesticated, several breeds of moon rays have arisen. The most common is the black moon ray - these animals are bred for their speed. As davites care about the environment and animals, they have made sure that the moon ray's genetic diversity is protected, and that these animals are healthy despite actively breeding for a specific enhanced gene.

Lifespan

50 years

Average Length

30 feet (9 metres)
Average Wingspan
20 feet (6 metres)

Geographic Distribution

• Core Stones
• Dave
• Outer Ocean

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