Photomorph

Photomorphs are a non-sapient species of eyeless predators from the humongous cave systems of planet Longtunnel.

Biology
Photomorphs are 50 cm long quadrupeds covered in fine grey fur. Their snouts are short and blunt, equipped with a short trunk about 4 cm long with a handlebar mustache and double nostrils. The mouth is filled with sharp triangular teeth, and the four legs end in tridactyl feet with hook-shaped talon-like claws.

Photomorphs move slowly, like an Earth sloth, and their hunting method consists of emitting a blinding flash of light to stun potential prey. The light is generated by glassy bead-like organs on the top of the Photomorph's head. The Photomorphs themselves are completely blind, and locate prey by scent. They live in small groups and share the spoils of their hunts.

Unlike most bioluminescent life forms, which produce light chemically, Photomorphs create light by an electronic process, the mechanism of which is poorly understood.

Appearances

 * Flinx in Flux, by Alan Dean Foster (1988)