The "Kelp-things"; also known as "Kelp-beasts", and referred to by the Plant-people simply as "the Others"; are a non-sapient species of predatory aquatic flora, which swim through the rivers and streams of Venus and feed on the native Plant-people.
Since both the Plant-people and the "Kelp-things" themselves are vegetable in nature, the Plant-people refer to them as being "cannibals".
Biology[]
Kelp-things look somewhat like the plant-based equivalent of a large stingray, with teardrop-shaped bodies, wing-like leaves, long grasping tentacles with stinging cups, and a tail that can be used as a rudder. They are dark reddish-brown in color, and their round mouths are equipped with sharp hairspines.
They typically move in large groups and follow potential prey relentlessly. Although they seem to favour the Plant-people as food, they will also go after animal prey, such as Humans.
Appearances[]
- "Terror Out of Space", by Leigh Brackett (1944)