A mutated warm-water fish, adapted for varying conditions and altered so that the ambient water temperature can be measured by noting the color changes on the creature’s sides.

NINKULILEB

(Archaeopteryx compsoghathus)

An intermediate form of development somewhere between birds and dinosaurs. Simple feathers, fingers at the wing tips, and a slim, toothed jaw make this creature distinctly different from both ancestors and possible descendants.

OKHALAKX

(Plateosauridia: Plateosaurus edibilus)

One of the largest of the “flat lizards,” so called because of their solid bodies and strong skulls. Although these creatures normally walk on all fours they rear up on their hind legs to graze the tops of trees. Its flesh is considered particularly tasty and is much sought after.

ONETSENSAST

(Ornithischia: Stegosaurus variatus)

The largest of the plated dinosaurs. These immense herbivorous creatures are protected from attack by two rows of plates down the neck and back, as well as heavy spikes on the tail. They first developed in the late Jurassic period and only careful preservation by the Yilanè has prevented the destruction of this living fossil.

RUUTSA

(Ankylosauria: Euoplocephalus)

This giant creature is perhaps the most dramatic of the “living fossils” so carefully preserved by the Yilanè. Covered with great plates of armor, studded with spines, and protecting itself by the great ball at the end of its tail, it is hard to believe that it is a vegetarian and completely harmless, except in self-defense. This species has not changed in over one hundred million years.

SANDUU

(Anuva: Rana catesbiana mutatus)

Extensive gene manipulation has altered this animal in almost every way; only its outer skin reveals its origins. Magnification of up to 200 power is available by proper use of sunlight directed through the different organic lenses of its head.

SPIKE-BACK

(Nodosaurid anklyosaurus: Hylaeosaurus)

With small teeth and weak jaws, these harmless creatures graze on low-growing plants. Their only protection from predators is their flexible armor of bony slabs, plates and spikes, set in tough skin and sheathed with horn.

TARAKAST

(Ornithischia: Segnosaurus shiungisaurus mutatus)

A sharp-beaked carnivorous dinosaur, the largest examples being over thirteen feet in length. They are difficult to train and require great strength to manage, but when properly broken make a desirable Yilanè mount.

UGUNKSHAA

(Squamata: Phrynosoma fiernsyna mutatus)

Since the Yilanè language is dependent upon skin color and body movements, as well as sound, keeping written records is impossible; therefore writing has never developed. Historically knowledge was passed on verbally, and the recording of this information only became possible when an organic liquid crystal display was developed for visual accompaniment of the auditory memory records.

UNUTAKH

(Cephalopoda: Deroceras agreste mutatus)

One of the highly modified animals used in Yilanè technology. This cephalopod digests protein matter, especially hair and modified epidermal plates with ease.

URUKETO

(Ichthyopterygia: Ichthyosaurus monstrosus mutatus)