Piranhadon

The Piranhadon, Piranhadon titanus, is a massive, lethal, viviparous tristichopterid from the swamps and waterways of Skull Island. It grows 20-50 feet long.

The unchallenged master of the waterways of Skull Island is the gargantuan Piranhadon, scientifically named more for its carnivorous habits than for any resemblance to a true piranha. A titanic fish, it grows as large as some whales. Piranhadon is an ambush predator, mostly taking terrestrial prey that come to drink (only to find themselves dragged down to a watery doom). Though it will also hunt below the surface, the majority of a Piranhadon’s prey is taken from the bank or plucked from the surface while attempting a crossing, such as Malamagnus.

Piranhadon eyes are large, but not terribly acute. Their vision is restricted to extremes of light and dark. Staring up, they will respond to shadows created against the bright light of the sky that indicates potential prey on or near the surface. Underwater prey is more difficult to discern in the murky water.

Their bodies have evolved to allow short bursts of high speed, as befitted an ambush predator, but will need to rest for long periods between attacks.