Synx

Synxes have a variety of bilateral body shapes depending on their habitat, but the most studied are the humanoid ones. The property of such strong variability is due to the fact that the main body of the eel passes by the limbs, which are only tentacles with thickenings at the ends. In this regard, the movements of the creatures are not similar to the movements of humanoids and acquire similarity only through deliberate mimicry. The musculoskeletal system is represented by muscles, which are a muscular hydrostat - a special network of muscle fibers, similar in principle to the trunk of an elephant or the tentacle of an octopus. They make up the entire body of the synx. The skeleton is composed entirely of cartilage, which acts like a spring structure, allowing the synx to take on a humanoid appearance. The most dexterous organ of the synx is the jaws, which open like the jaws of a snake. Also, the jaws are the most rigid parts of the skeleton. The integument is represented by skin and “fur”. The texture of the synx's skin resembles marshmallows, covered with small trichomes. When the parasite burrows into the host’s flesh, it uses hairs to better move through the tissues. Synxes are vulnerable to direct sunlight, which can cause severe radiation burns in animals. These creatures have secretory glands that open throughout the body, which produce a neurotoxin that causes acute pain after skin resorption in most known species. The synx can also use its glands to achieve the opposite goal - pain relief (in particular, during penetration into the host's flesh). The dense “fur” of the synx is made up of sticky threads of glycoproteins, similar to the web of spiders. When the “fur” gets wet, it becomes sticky and clumps into clumps. The fur is quite easily separated from the body. The two horns on the head are nothing more than nails continuously growing in the opposite direction. During its introduction into the host’s body, the parasite discards them, leaving only tubercles in their place. The horns can be any color, as can the eyes. The teeth are also nails (similar to shark teeth, which are placoid scales). Not differentiated, have a conical shape. They grow in one row. The circulatory system is partially closed, like that of mollusks. There are six hearts that push thick, clear blood through the vessels. Synxes are poikilothermic creatures. This explains the fact that they do not need to breathe. Presumably, oxygen-free fermentation of food is carried out by symbiotic microorganisms of the digestive tract. The digestive system of these parasites is designed exclusively for a predatory diet. Rotting flesh is poisonous to the synx due to the infection and subsequent toxic shock that occurs due to the co-evolution and extreme adaptation of the animal and the bacteria. It is interesting to note that rotting flesh has a toxic effect even on the outside of their bodies. Also, the microflora is not able to digest food of plant origin, which makes the plants poisonous to synxs. The immune system is represented by a symbiotic microflora, which not only takes part in the digestion of food, but also protects animals from many minor diseases that they risk contracting when entering a new world. The nervous system of the synx is a chain of nerve ganglia located along the body. An analogue of the brain is located in the abdominal cavity and determines complex behavioral acts. The life cycle is not reliably known, but development is believed to be indirect; the larvae are conditionally invasive and can develop outside the host's body. Similar to body morphology, the synx life cycle varies greatly depending on its habitat. These creatures are genderless. The exact lifespan of synxes is unknown due to the premature violent death of all observed individuals caused by predatory behavior. The body's regenerative abilities are comparable to those of other animals with the exception of the eyes. Just as sharks lose their teeth, synxes lose their eyes. This is due to the fact that under one pair of outer eyes others are constantly developing, which makes it necessary to periodically scratch out your own eyes in order to make room for growing new ones. Synxes have no culture, the concepts of morality and ethics are alien to them. They lack an ego, but have intelligence: synxes solve problems if it allows them to eat. In general, all intelligent behavior is aimed at survival and feeding. If synxes are fed, they will follow the food source. Although these creatures have a sensory system, feelings are not the guiding factor in behavior. For example, if a synx is in pain, but it is beneficial for it to maintain this state (for reasons of safety, if the animal saw that it would die if it left the painful shelter), then the parasite will remain inactive, undergoing nociception. Physical qualities do not allow the synx to be a good predator. Like jackals, they do not attack immediately, but hunt down the victim until they are convinced of their ability to defeat it. If the prey is too strong, the creature will follow it until the exhausted prey becomes weak enough to finish it off. Synxes eat the limbs first and leave the body for later, leaving the prey alive. They tear off large pieces of food with teeth incapable of chewing, swallow and digest it. During digestion, animals are usually motionless. After softening the food in the stomach, the synx wraps its tail around the stomach and compresses its abdominal cavity, crushing the food into pulp. After this, the food passes to the tail section, where nutrients are absorbed. Synxes can live inside predators larger than themselves. These creatures will eat any food that the owner swallows. Most digestive enzymes do not affect synx, nor does a wide range of acidity. Depending on the size of the predator, the effect of the parasite may appear earlier or later. Synx pushes apart part of the host tissues and lives in this cavity. When the host stops feeding, the parasite begins to devour the predator from the inside. Synx drills into muscle tissue and turns its stomach inside out, slowly digesting the host's flesh. As soon as the dead host begins to decompose, the parasite leaves the body. If a synx is locked inside the body of its former owner, it gnaws its way out, spitting out pieces of flesh that has begun to rot.