Tasseled Phibi

The tasseled phibi split from the cave phibi when a population added the abundant, unexploited crystal flora to their diet of shelled fauna. The largest of these species, the ghost crystal, caused this new species of phibi to select for larger sizes. This was reinforced further by the sheer size of the clingerpede. However, this size change made the cavepedes too small to serve as a proper food source, preventing them from entirely replacing their ancestor. Most of the tasseled phibi's old feelers have been modified into spikes. These spikes serve to support the tasseled phibi's fins and provide protection for the fry. In spite of this, the tasseled phibi's sensory capabilities have massively improved from its ancestor. The remaining tendrils have become much longer and more complex. The tasseled phibi has also developed two tendrils just above the eyes. These tendrils can be moved at will and are covered in the sensitive hairs that once only occurred at the tips of their fins. These sensitive hairs are also capable of detecting vibrations within a two meter diameter. The tendrils are also equipped with chemoreceptors. Unlike their ancestor, the cave phibi, the tassleled phibi will not reflexively snap at anything that touches it. Meanwhile, the tasseled phibi's eyes have atrophied into oblivion due to them being selected against as a means of conserving resources. Due to their large size and nutrient-poor environment, the tasseled phibi is more sluggish than their ancestors. The only time tasseled phibis will make any drastic movements is when they are in some sort of danger.