Ionians are the native sapient inhabitants of Jupiter's satellite Io.
Biology[]
Ionians are short, squat creatures, lightly-built and covered in dense fluffy fur that insulates them from the rapid changes of temperature that occur on their world. Beneath their fur, they are lean creatures. The tops of their skulls are protected by a shell that becomes transparent over the eyes, filled with a natural antifreeze fluid. Their hands and feet have long dexterous clawed digits, ideal for climbing the towering cactus-like plants that produce the fruits that they feed on. Like the Martians, Ionians have large lungs to compensate for the rarefied atmosphere of their world.
Culture and society[]
Ionians are a technologically advanced race which has built power stations designed to convert the radioactivity emanated by Jupiter (particularly by Jupiter's famous Red Spot) into energy that can be used for heat, light, power and aids to cultivation.
Ionians are a gregarious species with a socialistic-like government and advanced scientific knowledge. Their capital city is Crystallis.
Notes[]
- Created by science fiction illustrator Frank R. Paul, this species was originally featured in Fantastic Adventures, May 1940. The accompanying article was titled "Life on Io". An additional piece titled "A City on Io" appeared in Amazing Stories, July 1941.