Alterra HQ 4546b creature logs: Subnautica/ below zero

Ghost Leviathan/Phantomus leviathanus (1#S/3#S)

Class: Leviathan:

Hammerhead:

The cartilaginous extensions of the Ghost Leviathan's skull form a formidable hammerhead, providing both protection and a powerful weapon. This structure allows the creature to perform devastating ramming attacks, capable of breaching the hulls of submersibles and incapacitating larger predators. The hammerhead is equipped with electroreceptive sensory organs, enhancing its ability to detect prey and navigate the pitch-black waters.

Jaws:

While fully capable of tearing through the flesh of any creature in range, mature Ghost Leviathans primarily feed on smaller fish and cephalopods. Their vicious attacks on interlopers are both territorial and predatory. The sheer size of this creature necessitates a vast expanse of water to meet its daily caloric needs. It employs a combination of speed and strength to capture and subdue its prey.

Torso:

The muscled interior body of the Ghost Leviathan is encased in a translucent outer membrane, an adaptation for deep, low-light environments. When threatened, it can tense its entire body, unleashing a burst of speed that allows it to strike with incredible force. This membrane also provides a degree of camouflage, blending with the surrounding water to ambush prey or evade larger threats.

Lifecycle:

Ghost Leviathans exhibit migratory behavior, with specimens likely born far from their encountered locations. Juveniles are often found in deep caves, gradually moving to the trench as they mature. These caves provide a safe haven where the young can grow without the threat of larger predators.

Electroreceptive Sensory Organs:

Specialized organs allow the Ghost Leviathans to detect electrical signals in the water, aiding in navigation and hunting in the pitch-black depths. This ability is crucial for locating prey and avoiding threats in an environment where light is almost non-existent.

Regenerative Abilities:

This creature possesses remarkable regenerative capabilities, able to heal from severe injuries over time. This makes Ghost Leviathans even more resilient and dangerous, as it can recover from encounters that would be fatal to other species.

Biomes:

Ghost Leviathans prefers deep, dark bodies of water where little light penetrates. As juveniles, they stay in the caves they were born in, slowly moving out to the trench when they are big enough. During migration, they traverse from these deep caves to the Deep Kelp zone and finally to the deep trenches, following thermal currents and abundant prey availability.

Weaknesses:

Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP): Temporarily disrupt their electroreceptive sensory organs, disorienting the creature and allowing for a narrow window of escape or counterattack.

Bright Light: High-intensity light can temporarily blind the Ghost Leviathan, as its eyes are adapted to low-light environments. This can provide an opportunity to evade or deter an attack.

Weaponry: Torpedoes and other high-yield explosives can cause significant damage, although the creature's regenerative abilities may mitigate this over time.

Countermeasures:

EMP Devices: Carrying EMP devices can provide a crucial advantage in encounters with the Ghost Leviathan, offering a chance to escape or reposition.

Flash Beacon: Use flash beacons to create blinding flashes of light, disorienting the creature and buying time to retreat.

Submersible Reinforcement: Ensure submersibles are reinforced to withstand ramming attacks, and equipped with advanced sonar systems to detect the Ghost Leviathans from a safe distance.

Size: Specimen is measured to be 150 meters (492 feet)

Assessment: Extreme Threat - Avoid