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Atargatis — Description
This is the Atargatis (Atargatis platicauda), a piscivorous aquatic snake native to Fourseas. Fourseas is a huge brackish Eurasian lake formed when sinking land caused the Caspian, Black, Aral, and Azov seas to merge. Aquatic predators evolved to feast on the abundant fish fauna of this body of water, including descendants of common European grass snakes. This reptile is relatively large (about three meters, or ten feet) and has a tail which is flattened from the sides to improve its underwater mobility. The tail also has a brightly colored eyespot to distract even larger predators as well as being a courtship mark. Unlike present day sea snakes, the Atargatis is non-poisonous, and kills the fish and crustaceans it feeds on with a strong bite and long teeth. The Atargatis hunts with smell and can hold its breath underwater for up to an hour.