Skyskimmer

The Skyskimmer came about through the rare process of hybridization between the Hydroskimmer and Hydroneustes. Since both species were competing for the same space as well as the Hydroneustes evolved from the Hydroskimmer they had very similar DNA. Out of this interspecies breeding Skyskimmer was born and escaped the extinction of the Hydroskimmer and Hydroneustes by migrating into the atmosphere.

It has many similar features as its ancestors and some new ones as well. First, the most notable is the hydrogen air sack. It has grown much bigger and can lift it completely out of the water into the sky. Next is the breathing. The jets that once spit out poison now reverted to its previous function which was to pass water in and out. But rather than water it passes air in and out to breathe. However it is not as effective as other airborne creatures and must stay in the lower atmosphere where the air is thicker.

It has inherited its tiny eyes from the Hydroneustes but mainly used the 2 huge moth-like antennae. It can hear and see by feeling the air vibrations. Also from the Hydroneustes are the 2 clawed tentacles. They use this to latch onto prey. You see they are now "blood-suckers" and suck the blood from the sky plents. They use their sharp lower beak to pierce the hide of the plent and then lick up the blood.

Their butt has evolved into a rudder-like tail in which it can move from side to side to steer them in the air. Their flipper has gone though a major change. It is much thinner and has webbing in it to make it lighter. The spikes on them are no more and are used to strengthen between the webbing.

In short, while Sagan 4 has lost 2 species it has gained a completely unique one. It is even more special in that it came about through extremely rare hybridization of 2 species.