Pneuma

"The pneuma is one of the ecological amputees we keep finding. It evolved for a niche that no longer exists. It found new ways to get things done, but I think it's still trying to grip that phantom hand." - Sophie Boucher, *Proteus As Patient* *Pneuma pneuma*, a prey fish that mimics the bladders of kelp. 1. Fish A relative of the halfmoon (Moliform luna). The paired pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are large but closely spaced, favoring agility over speed. The tail fin is ragged. All the fins mimic the pattern of kelp blades. The spinal nerve braid is protected by an armored stem similar to a kelp stipe. The jaw is a clamp; food is rasped by the tongue. 2. Kelp mimicry The pneuma has evolved to mimic the air bladders of large kelp. It is unclear whether the pneuma traveled here from a kelp forest, or if a kelp forest in the Karakorum region went extinct. 3. Pneuma The pneuma is named for its large swim bladder. When clamped to kelp with its beak, the pneuma's bladder pulls it upward, helping to support the kelp and maintain the pneuma's camouflage. Since there is no kelp in the Karakorum regions, pneuma have instead begun to swallow rocks to use as ballast. Assessment: edible prey fish. Sign of ecological turmoil. Check for rocky ballast before consuming.