Xib Zjhar
Shells
The Xib Zjhar (ksɪb ʐäɹ, also called "shells") are a species of shelled invertebrate sophonts from the planet Xiilu Qam in the 36 Ophiuchi system. The Xib Zjhar are highly reclusive, remaining almost exclusively within their very small interstellar network and refusing virtually all contact with other species. They are not a member of the United Spacefaring Sophonts Coalition -one of only two sophont species in known space who are not USSC members or affiliates. They are also one of the oldest extant sophont species, having ancestrally interacted with the skgri'i.
Biology
Anatomy & Morphology
Xib Zjhar are polymorphic shelled dodecapods, possessing a segmented shell-like exoskeleton that can either curl into a spiral shape or unfurl to a straight, almost blade-like flattened cone. The open end of the shell has a wide, crescent-shaped plate to protect the soft body of the creature, whose beaked mouth, eyestalks, and twelve tentacles emerge from the chitinous shell. Xib Zjhar are unique among known sophonts in that their vascular system relies on not one but two oxygen carriers: hemocyanin, a copper-based protein that turns bright blue when oxidized; and chlorocruorin, an iron-based protein that turns light green when oxidized. Xib Zjhar can walk terrestrially on their tentacles under gravity up to ~4 m/s2, but since they are dependent on internal gills for breathing, their spacecraft are typically filled with water. This allows them to move about much faster: they jet-propel themselves with their spiracles in a manner similar to terragenid molluscs.Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Visual
Xib Zjhar are highly visual sophonts, having unique triocular vision facilitated by three compound eyes with millions of tiny crystalline lenses. These eyes are sensitive to a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from near-infrared all the way to high-frequency ultraviolet. Color is a critical part of Xib Zjhar written language, which is why other species struggle to read it.Auditory
Xib Zjhar have considerably worse hearing than other known sophont species, though they are still capable of discerning auditory input. Their auditory sense is facilitated by a pair of statocysts; small, sac-like internal organs containing a mineralized mass and lined with sensitive filaments.Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
Xib Zjhar are found in only three star systems: 36 Ophiuchi (their home system), Gliese 667, and 70 Ophiuchi. They do not leave this small region of space for any reason, barring a major catastrophe.Habitat & Survival Factors
Though they can operate out of water for extended periods of time thanks to internal water storage chambers, the Xib Zjhar are highly dependent on water for their survival as it is their primary medium of respiration. Xib Zjhar are quite technologically adaptable, and thus they will manage to survive if given an environment with liquid water of appropriate dissolved oxygen content.Archive Data
Scientific Name
Xenorthus sapiens
Origin/Ancestry
Xiilugenids
- visual (380 - 750 nm)
- auditory (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- tactile (1 μm limit)
- olfactory
The values presented here describe the conditional limits of sustained indefinite survival. The species can survive more extreme conditions for shorter amounts of exposure.
Gravity limit
0.4 G
Pressure range
1.0 to 4.8 atm
Air mix
36% to 80% O2
Temperature range
12 to 26 °C
Radiation limit
- Gamma: 0.2 Gy
- Beta: 0.02 Gy
- Alpha: 0.01 Gy
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