The Cacus is a non-sapient species of fire-breathing creatures discovered in the early 21st century on Jupiter's moon known as Satellite Five.
Biology[]
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Another depiction of a Cacus
The Cacus are large reptilian beasts akin to salamanders or alien dragons with six legs for locomotion. Its body stretches roughly twenty feet long and its warty gray hide forms a series of armored plates, separated by softer underbellies. The Cacus has an oval cross-section and boasts six stubby legs clinging to its underside in a haphazard arrangement. Two eyes flank either side of its head, and instead of teeth, its entire inner mouth holds a flexible, horn-like structure likely used for chewing, if needed. A network of spongy, gray, platinum-laced veins runs through every available crevice. When digestive gases travel through this network, they ignite, creating the Cacus's fiery breath. Interestingly, this creature possesses both male and female reproductive organs, allowing it to self-fertilize.
Appearances[]
- "Satellite Five", by Arthur K. Barnes (1938)
- "Trouble on Titan", by Arthur K. Barnes (1941) (Mentioned only)
Notes[]
- The Cacus is named after the mythological fire-breathing monster slain by Hercules.
- "Satellite Five", so named for being the fifth moon of Jupiter to be discovered, refers to Amalthea: a tiny satellite closer to Jupiter than Io. Although it was discovered in 1892, the name wasn't adopted until much later, explaining why it's just named "Satellite Five" in Barnes' story.