Chapter 18: Fauna of Théxar
"The beasts of Théxar are our younger siblings. In each of them flows the same blood as in us, and the same stars shine upon them. The difference is only that we ask questions, while they are answers we have not yet learned to hear." — From the "Bestiary of Xha'Ruun," Academy of Natural History, +2,100 Y.E.
Related sections: → see [Ch.11, "Ecology"], → see [Ch.17, "Flora"], → see [Ch.05, "Species Xha'Ruun"] Key principle: Théxar's fauna is based on the class Thermochromadae ("warm-colored") — hexapodal vertebrates with an exo-endoskeleton combination, cutaneous thermoregulation, and a double circulatory system. ~24,000 species, from 0.2 ша to 9.8 ша.
Introduction
The animal world of Théxar is one of the richest among known biospheres. Evolution under the orange sky of Khar'Vex, with elevated radiation background and a unique biochemical foundation, led to the formation of a fauna without direct analogs.
Six-limbedness is an inherited feature of this evolutionary lineage. Its descendants use the limbs in different ways: for walking, grasping, climbing or supporting membranes.
In this chapter, we examine the evolution, systematics, and ecology of the animal world of Théxar: from class Thermochromadae to invertebrates, from giant herbivores of the plains to microscopic zooplankton of the oceans.
18.1 Class Thermochromadae — Dominant Taxon
KEY FACT
The class Thermochromadae ("warm-colored") — an endemic vertebrate class of Théxar, to which Xha'Ruun also belong. Includes ~24,000 species — from small reptile-like (0.2 ша) to giant herbivores (9.8 ша). Common characteristics: hexapodaly, double circulatory system, cutaneous thermoregulation through chromatophores, egg-laying reproduction.
18.1.1 Key Characteristics of the Class
| Trait | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Hexapodaly | 6 limbs (2 front, 2 middle, 2 hind) | Locomotion + manipulation |
| Exo-endoskeleton | Chitinous outer layer + bony internal skeleton | Protection + support |
| Double circulation | 2 hearts: thoracic + abdominal | Separation of respiratory and systemic blood flow |
| Thermochromatism | Cutaneous thermoregulation through pigment cells | Heating at low T, cooling at high T |
| Trinocular vision | 3 eyes (in higher forms) | Depth perception, wide angle |
| Egg-laying | Egg clutch with calcareous shell | Reproduction |
| 6-letter code | Genetic code on 6 nucleotides | Coding capacity and redundancy |
18.1.2 Evolutionary Tree
Evolutionary tree of Thermochromadae
Ancestor
- Common ancestor of Thermochromadae
~350 million cycles ago
Main branches
- Prototheria
Primitive; ~6,000 species
- Mesothermia
Intermediate; ~10,000 species
- Neothermia
Higher; ~8,000 species
Descendant branches
- Predatoria
Predators; ~3,000 species
- Herbirostra
Herbivores; ~4,500 species
Further branch
- Xa-ruunidae
Kharru, ancestors; ~120 species
Terminal branch
- Xha'ri
Sapient species; 1 species
- Common ancestor of Thermochromadaebranches intoPrototheria
- Common ancestor of Thermochromadaebranches intoMesothermia
- Common ancestor of Thermochromadaebranches intoNeothermia
- Mesothermiabranches intoPredatoria
- Neothermiabranches intoHerbirostra
- Herbirostrabranches intoXa-ruunidae
- Xa-ruunidaebranches intoXha'ri
Fig. 18.1. Simplified cladogram of Thermochromadae.
18.1.3 Paleontological Chronology
| Event | Significance |
|---|---|
| Appearance of first Thermochromadae | Separation from the general vertebrate line |
| Split into Prototheria and Neothermia | Radiation of basic forms |
| Development of double circulation | Metabolic increase, warm-bloodedness |
| Appearance of predators (Predatoria) | Formation of trophic levels |
| Hexapodal radiation | Occupation of all terrestrial niches |
| Thermochromatism | Cutaneous thermoregulation |
| Social intelligence (ancestors of Xha'ri) | Pack behavior, communication |
| Differentiation of Xa-ruunidae line | Ancestors of kharru and Xha'ri |
| Domestication of kharru | First domesticated animal |
18.2 Predators (Predatoria)
The order Predatoria — apex predators of Théxar, occupying niches from small forest hunters to large plains predators.
18.2.1 Large Predators
| Species | Size | Mass | Range | Hunting Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shar-Ghar (Red Tiger) | 4.3 ша × 2.2 ша | 364–485 кх | Plains of Kharak | Ambush, pack (3–6 individuals) |
| Tor-Mor (Mountain Killer) | 5.1 ша × 2.6 ша | 545–727 кх | Khar-Tor range | Solitary, ambush |
| Rhu-Ven (Night Hunter) | 3.4 ша × 1.7 ша | 182–273 кх | Forests of Rhuval | Nocturnal, pack (8–15 individuals) |
| Vex-Thorn (Thorny Ambusher) | 2.7 ша × 1.0 ша | 73–109 кх | Vexar | Silicon spikes on tail |
Shar-Ghar — the dominant predator of the Kharak plains. Coloration — copper-red with black stripes (camouflage in the savanna). Hunts in packs of 3–6 individuals, using trinocular vision for distance calculation. Average lifespan — 25 local years.
Tor-Mor — the largest terrestrial predator on the planet. Lives at altitudes of 0.3–0.9 мо in the Khar-Tor range. A solitary territorial predator. Capable of knocking down prey weighing up to 1.2 ру with a strike of its two front limbs.
18.2.2 Medium and Small Predators
| Species | Size | Range | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thal-Jumper | 1.0 ша | Coasts | Hunts fish, jumps up to 7.3 ша |
| Rhu-Viper | 1.8 ша | Deserts | Venom paralyzing through H₂S channels |
| Khal-Flyer | 0.7 ша, wingspan 2.7 ша | Forests | Gliding flight between trees |
| Shar-Hound | 1.5 ша | Shan Desert | Endurance runner, 12.2 мо/h for 4.1 мо |
18.3 Herbivores (Herbirostra)
Order Herbirostra — herbivorous Thermochromadae, from small to giant grazers.
18.3.1 Large Herbivores
| Species | Height | Mass | Range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghal-Shar (Plains Runner) | 3.9 ша | 1,091–1,515 кх | Savannas of Kharak | Herding (10–40) |
| Mor-Koss (Heavyhorn) | 2.6 ша | 1,818–2,727 кх | Forests of Vexar | Herding (5–15) |
| Thal-Horn (Armored Rhinoceros) | 2.2 ша | 1,515–2,121 кх | Rhuval | Solitary, armored |
| Khar-Moss (Shaggy Giant) | 4.6 ша* | 2,424–3,333 кх | Northern taiga | Long fur, herding (8–20) |
Height at shoulder: 4.6 ша. Total height with raised head — up to 7.9 ша.
Ghal-Shar — the most common large herbivore of the Kharak savannas. The front pair of limbs is used for browsing foliage, the middle pair for support and defense, the hind pair for running. Reaches speeds of up to 11.2 мо/h. Lifespan — up to 40 local years.
Khar-Moss — a large herbivore adapted to cold climate. Dense fur up to 0.6 ша long, subcutaneous fat up to 17.4 па. Migrates up to 304.9 мо between summer and winter pastures.
18.3.2 Small Herbivores
| Species | Size | Range | Role in Ecosystem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vex-Squeaker | 0.2 ша | Forests of Vexar | Seed dispersal |
| Rhu-Hopper | 0.5 ша | Savannas | Scavenger and omnivore |
| Khal-Burrower | 0.4 ша | Soils of all continents | Soil aeration, detritivore |
| Shan-Scale | 0.7 ша | Shan Desert | Water balance, stores moisture |
18.4 Kharru Group (Xa-ruunidae)
The family Xa-ruunidae (from xa — life, ruun — people) — the closest living relatives of Xha'Ruun among non-sapient species.
KEY FACT
Xa-ruunidae demonstrate rudimentary social intelligence: use of simple tools (stones for cracking nuts), transmission of cultural information (migration routes), complex sound communication (up to 40 distinguishable signals).
18.4.1 Relatives and Familiar Animals
| Species | Size | Intelligence | Status | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kharra (kharru, domesticated) | 1.5 ша | High | Domesticated ~8,000 years | Everywhere |
| Thal-Ghex (forest jumper) | 1.8 ша | Moderate | Wild | Forests of Vexar |
| Vokh'elling (reef loach) | 0.5 ша | Medium | Wild | Oceans |
| Ghal-Shar (plains runner) | 2.4 ша | Very low | Wild | Savannas of Kharak |
18.4.2 Kharru — The Best Companion Animal
Kharru — a domesticated form, bred from a wild ancestor in the early settlement period. A six-legged animal 1.5 ша in size, mass 48–73 кх.
Characteristics:
- Trinocular vision (lateral eyes — wide angle, central — depth)
- Four ears (two front movable, two rear — directional hearing)
- Chromophyll fur (golden-red, thick)
- Omnivorous (predominantly herbivorous)
- High trainability (commands up to 50 words)
- Lifespan — 20–30 local years
Use in Xha'Ruun civilization:
- Agriculture: herd protection, water finding
- Transport: riding (up to 8.1 мо/h, 6 h per day)
- Rescue work: search under rubble
- Companion: kharru is a symbol of status and friendship
18.5 Marine Fauna
18.5.1 Ocean Thalas (Northern)
Characterized by rich plankton and diverse fish.
| Species | Size | Range | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shal-Mor (Silver Arrow) | 0.7 ша | Surface waters | Migration up to 609.8 мо |
| Thal-Shark (Thalas Shark) | 4.9–8.5 ша | Shelf, open ocean | Apex predator, 3 rows of teeth |
| Khal-Ray (Khal Ray) | 2.4–4.9 ша (wingspan) | Bottom, up to 0.1 мо | Electroreception, 200 V discharge |
| Rhu-Crab (Rhuval Crab) | 1.0 ша (carapace) | Littoral | Silicon carapace |
18.5.2 Deep-sea Communities
At depths exceeding 0.4 мо, unique ecosystems based on H₂S chemosynthesis form.
| Species | Feature |
|---|---|
| Thermal-Worm | Lives in tubes at hydrothermal vents |
| Deep-Glow | Bioluminescence (purple spectrum) |
| Abyss-Jelly | Dome up to 3.7 ша, tentacles up to 36.6 ша |
| Thash-Gulper | Expandable stomach (≥ 2× body volume) |
18.5.3 Invertebrates
| Group | Species | Role | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hexapods (insects) | ~1.5 million | Pollination, detritivores | 6 legs, 4 wings |
| Arachnids | ~80,000 | Predators, parasites | 8 legs, silicon thread |
| Crustaceans (Thalas) | ~45,000 | Filter-feeders, scavengers | Silicon carapace |
| Mollusks | ~120,000 | Filter-feeders, predators | Shell CaCO₃ + SiO₂ |
KEY FACT
Théxar's hexapods ("insects") descended from a separate branch of arthropods and have 4 wings. Wingspan of the largest species — 0.6 ша. Hexapod endemism by continent: up to 80% of species are unique to each continent.
18.6 Fauna by Continent
18.6.1 Kharak — Fauna of Plains and Savannas
| Ecosystem | Dominants | Endemism |
|---|---|---|
| Savannas | Ghal-Shar, Shar-Ghar, Shar-Hound | 18% |
| Shan Desert | Sun-Lizard, Shan-Scale | 35% |
| Taiga | Khar-Moss, Needle-Horn | 22% |
| Khar-Tor Mountains | Tor-Mor, Rock-Jumper | 40% |
18.6.2 Rhuval — Fauna of Forests and Highlands
| Ecosystem | Dominants | Endemism |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical forests | Rhu-Ven, Rhu-Crab | 24% |
| Raal Plateau | High-Goat, Crystal-Wing | 48% |
| Coasts | Thal-Jumper, Shore-Crab | 12% |
18.6.3 Vexar — Fauna of Isolated Forests
Vexar, as the most isolated continent, has the highest level of fauna endemism — 38% (for plants — 31%).
| Ecosystem | Dominants | Endemism |
|---|---|---|
| Broadleaf forests | Vex-Thorn, Vex-Squeaker | 42% |
| Mountain forests | Tree-Jumper, Moss-Glide | 52% |
| Mangrove coasts | Shore-Wader, Mud-Crab | 28% |
Characteristic feature of Vexar's fauna — complete absence of large terrestrial predators (the ecological niche is filled by small pack species). This led to unique behavior in local herbivores: they are less skittish and more curious than their counterparts on other continents.
18.7 Seasonal Migrations
Théxar's fauna demonstrates impressive seasonal migrations driven by changing climate zones.
| Species | Distance | Route | Period | Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghal-Shar | up to 304.9 мо | Central Kharak → southern pastures | Dry season | 2–4 million |
| Shal-Mor (fish) | up to 609.8 мо | Thalas → Kharak spawning grounds | Tor-Ven season | 500 million |
| Khar-Moss | up to 304.9 мо | Taiga → northern pastures | Summer | 200,000 |
| Thal-Shark | up to 813.0 мо | Thalas → Gharra → Thalas | 2-year cycle | 50,000 |
The Great Migration of Ghal-Shar is one of the most spectacular events in Théxar's nature. Twice a year, herds of Ghal-Shar cross the Central Plain of Kharak, following the seasonal rains. The migration is followed by predators (Shar-Ghar) and scavengers (Rhu-Hopper).
Chapter Summary
Key conclusions:
- Class Thermochromadae — the dominant taxon of Théxar vertebrates (~24,000 species).
- Common characteristics: hexapodaly, double circulation, thermochromatism, egg-laying.
- Largest predator — Tor-Mor (545–727 кх, Khar-Tor range).
- Largest herbivore — Khar-Moss (up to 3,333 кх, taiga).
- Kharru — domesticated in the early settlement period, closest living relative of Xha'Ruun.
- Fauna endemism of Vexar — 38% (52% in mountain forests).
- Hexapods ("insects") — ~1.5 million species, 4 wings, 80% endemics per continent.
- Deepest trench Thash contains a unique chemosynthesizing ecosystem.
- Great Migration of Ghal-Shar (304.9 мо) — the largest herbivore migration on the planet.
Connections to other chapters:
- → see [Ch.04, "Biochemistry"] — 6-letter code, chirality
- → see [Ch.05, "Species Xha'Ruun"] — place of Xha'ri in classification
- → see [Ch.11, "Ecology"] — food chains, trophic levels
- → see [Ch.13, "Continents"] — fauna distribution
- → see [Ch.14, "Oceans"] — marine ecosystems
- → see [Ch.17, "Flora"] — plants as food base