Epicurean

Databank Text

Postpanoplia epicurean, the voracious unarmored armored fish. Unpredictable and hungry, especially when under the influence of a parasite.

1. Sea hippo
   The epicurean is a true omnivore, consuming dozens of kilograms of animals, microorganisms, minerals and corals every day. Digesting this diet is expensive, fueling the epicurean’s hunger. By devouring and defecating, the epicurean spreads nutrients and fine-ground sand, making it a keystone species in its ecosystem.

2. Lobe-finned enormity
   The epicurean is a younger relative of the hammerhead, but it has lost its armored shield, allowing it to open its huge grinding jaw. Both the central pineal eye and the lateral eyes are fully developed. These changes suggest the epicurean no longer competes in tournaments for territory and mates.

3. Hunger
   The hungrier the epicurean, the more likely it is to attack a pioneer.

4. Parasite
   The epicurean often swallows parasites with its food, which take root in its mouth, blocking nerve pathways which signal fullness to the epicurean’s brain. Infested epicureans believe they are starving, and attack with ravenous hunger. Explore methods to expel the parasite, and try to avoid becoming an unsatisfying meal.

Assessment: ecologically vital but an unpredictable danger to divers. Check for and (if possible) expel mouth parasites.