| Ichthyosaurus mercurius | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Binomen | Ichthyosaurus mercurius | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Reptilian | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Semi-Sapient | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | San Blas | ||
| Habitat | Aquatic | ||
| Locomotion | Swimming Crawling | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | The Outer Limits | ||
| Created by | Dean Riesner | ||
| Performed by | Bill Hart George Robotham Paul Stader | ||
Ichthyosaurus mercurius is the scientific name proposed for a species of large, amphibious reptiles discovered in a lake in the South American country of San Blas; which is located west of the Orinoco Basin and slightly north of the Equator. In the past, native cultures have venerated them as deities and sculpted stone idols of them.
The species is believed to be a direct descendant of the ichthyosaurs, which lived 300 million years ago, and was named after San Blas' dictator, Juan Mercurio.
Biology[]
These creatures are aquatic reptiles with scaly skin, needle-like teeth and ichthyoid traits, such as a dorsal fin. They differ substantially from their ichthyosaur ancestors, although they retain the characteristic large eyes. Curiously, though, they have been described as blind, and sense the world via neuro-receptors in their skin which alert them to the presence of other creatures.
Their most notable trait is the ability to survive on land for short time periods. Their forelimbs possess four claws and, unlike their ancestors, they have webbed hindlimbs rather than a fish-like tail.
Like dolphins, these creatures are distinguished by their intelligence, social behaviour, and complex language. They can produce a wide variety of vocalizations ranging from ear-splitting high-pitched shrieks to supersonic waves capable of shattering solid walls with ease.
When a member of this species is in danger, the others will form schools and join forces to rescue their comrade. Their combined ultrasonic waves can potentially destroy even a concrete water dam. Their scaly hide seems to be impervious to bullets.
Appearances[]
- The Outer Limits, s01e13, "Tourist Attraction" (1963)
Gallery[]
