Molluscichthys Redesign Sketch

This is a redesign of a creature from my Priapus Prime exobiology project. This is an example of the new bauplan for the molluscichthys ("soft-bodied fish"), a sort of fish analogue that lives in the lakes, seas, and rivers of Priapus Prime. They evolved from flatworms living in the early oceans, eventually taking on forms not unlike those of sea slugs on Earth, though they are quite different anatomically speaking. They have dual circulatory systems: an open one (no heart or arteries) that is used to fill bladders that support their bodies, and a closed on (has heart and arteries) that transports nutrients and oxygen to their organs and tissues. Larger species may have simple cartilage skeletons to support their bodies in place of the open circulatory system. They move through the water using an undulating skirt of skin called a fringe, which is much like the pseudopod that snails and slugs on Earth use to move on land or through water. They have two simple eyes on stalks that are capable of looking in different directions, and their gills (which are internal, unlike the gills of Earthly sea slugs) have olfactory organs that can help them seek food or identify predators. They also have a lateral line system, like fish on Earth, that helps them detect changes in the pressure or current of the water. All things considered they are quite simple organisms, which is probably why they're some of the most numerous and diverse creatures living in the waters of Priapus Prime. They share a common ancestor with a group of organisms called scutaderms, which are essentially a kind of Priapan reptile analogue, though that comparison is a bit misleading.

Molluscichthys are one of the biggest sources of food for priapan societies, as well as many of the animals they share the planet with. Overfishing has become a major concern in recent years, and many species of molluscichthys are threatened with extinction. Aquaculture and conservation movements have prevented this thus far, but pollution is a growing concern that has yet to be addressed by most of the priapan superstates. These guys would be good eating for humans too, if you're a fan of escargot. Bake some up in a pan filled with garlic butter and serve it cold! Just don't overcook it or it will get rubbery!