Flashlaro

The flashlaro split from its ancestor after developing an adaptation that allowed it to scavenge flashstring-infested carcasses. This adaptation was a mucus coat that prevented the buds of the now-assimilated flashstring to take root on the flashlaro's skin. The only part of the flashlaro's body that is not covered in mucus is the beak, which is too hard for the flashstring to take root on. The flashlaro's immune system has adapted to the buds of the flashtring, with the alimentary tract being lined in specialized immune cells that inject invading buds with potent poisons capable of killing them upon taking root along the tract. Oddly enough, the flashlaro's mucus defense actually helps the flashstring propagate in new carcasses. This is because when the flashlaro enters an uninfected carcass, some of the flashlaro's mucus coat rubs off onto the corpse along with the buds. These buds then take root in the unoccupied corpse and then take over it. The flashlaro's second major adaptation its its ability to use bioluminescence. This comes from the flashlaro's accidental consumption of flashstrings while feeding on infested carcasses. The luciferin contained within the flashstrings is moved to bioluminescent patches that run along the flashlaro's sides. The bioluminescent patch can then be lit at will via the excitation of the stored luciferin. These patches glow brighter than the flashtrings themselves and can be used to startle both predators and competitors alike. If predators are not warded off by the flashing lights, they will surely die from the flashstring buds embedded in the flashlaro's mucus coat. Flashlaros are particularly known to appear at uninfected carcasses and use their bioluminescence to scare off the dogelaros feeding on it, giving the flashlaro the entire carcass to feed on. Male flashlaros also use their bioluminescence in mating rituals, where they create rippling patterns along the length of their bioluminescent patches to attract females. In order to better handle the brightness of their own bioluminescence, the flashlaro's eyes have redeveloped to the point that they can handle higher levels of brightness and make out shapes. However, they cannot perceive colors. The flashlaro's third adaptation is its fins. The caudal fin has extended over its back like that of the ovilaro. This increases its stability while swimming. Meanwhile, the tail fin has become better suited to subcarangiform swimming. The flashlaro's final adaptation is its sharper beak that is more capable of ripping through the flesh of the carcasses that make up the majority of its diet.