Bladderhorn

Bladderhorns live high above the waving succulent-seas of Darwin IV, hidden within the secret ravines of the planet's mountain ranges. Solitary and aggressive creatures, they wander the mountain passes and high plains, where they feed upon the sub-surface bulbs of alpine flora. Males are territorial, and if one encounters another, they will perform an elaborate, ritualistic duel, which involves ramming heads and showing off their bioluminescent patches. These duels are sometimes considered somewhat comical.

During mating season, the chilly air is rent with the sounds of their bugling - an eerie, almost haunting bellowing call which is created by the inflation and subsequent deflation of their antler-bladders' air sacs, for which they are named. Their species is oddly a bright blue color, giving them a rather comical appearance. Their antler-bladders are often inflated to make themselves appear to be larger than they actually are, which can be used to frighten away predators or even rival Bladderhorns.

Behind the Scenes

 * According to the author of the book, Expedition, Wayne Barlowe: "Nothing like a bit of comic-relief in an otherwise savage ecosystem. What could be odder than a blue, bipedal animal with antlers? No question that I was thinking about elk here."
 * As well, its sounds in Alien Planet are modified elk calls