Volitan Serpent

Volitan serpent, Fae serpent

Scientific Name: Phycodraconis volitans

Not a true dragon, but actually a member of the family Syngnathidae with sea horses and sea dragons; however, some debate exists whether P. volitans may, in fact, be more closely related to other Scorpaenidae. Like Pterois volitans from which this species takes its name, the Volitan serpent has an acetylcholine-based venom which is administered to unwary victims via its dorsal, ventral and anal fins.

P. volitans rarely grows beyond eight inches in length, with females slightly larger than males. Its diet is almost exclusively copepods and amphipods, however it has been observed sampling the polyps of long and short polyp stony (scleractinian) corals. Attempts to keep this species captive in marine aquaria have this far been unsuccessful.

Indigenous to the Red Sea, though this serpent seems to be following the invasive habits of Pterois volitans and has been found since the late 1980s throughout the Caribbean. 

Remembering old friends

Fire and Ice battle for territory!

When I was a kid, I played with toys. The only difference between then and now is...I get to make 'em!

New Dragon Preview

He's been a long time coming, but here's a l'il WIP preview of an upcoming dragon:

*Giggle*

Another WIP

I did promise WIP shots, didn't I? Perhaps I will try to finish him (her?)Thursday. Assuming I don't get tossed off a horse again. As much fun as that was, I'll give a second concussion so soon a pass, if it is all the same to you.


On to the show! Started a long while ago, before acquiring my own Lionfish...


A dragon/sea serpent, based on two of my favourite sea creatures: the Volitan lionfish and leafy sea dragons.


Who doesn't love sea dragons?


I am actually writing an entire "how to sculpt a dragon" tutorial based on this monster, so for now, a simple series of shots (featuring, naturally, my messier-than-belief work area):

And that's it. Can't you see the vision?


Heh. Not even much of a joke; clearly, I am le tired. This really is the beginning of the end, though!

...And if I showed you any more, I'd be giving too much away ^^

Float Like a Butterfly...

...Sting like a bee.


No real surprise to anyone, but I am an aquatic hobbyist. Save a few short years, I have kept aquaria my entire life. My passion generally sticks to high tech planted tanks and SA fishes (breeding discus is a fun adventure, every time).


Since the very first time I saw one as a child - I can't remember if it was a store, public aquarium, or even a zoo - there is a fish that has captured my interest; a creature that, while I'd always dreamed of playing steward for one, I'd laugh off just as readily and shrug "Yeah, right."


Introducing Aristotle, my Christmas-gift-to-myself.

...A juvenile Pterois volitans. The volitan lionfish. The running bet is three weeks before I do something stupid and get myself stung.


As everyone who has ever wielded a camera knows, these guys are gut-wrenchingly photogenic.

...Because posting two shots in the same style is practically against the rules.


He is also the inspiration for my next dragon. Imagine the creature as a fanciful cross between a volitan lion and a leafy see dragon, and you'll be spot on. 


(Lionfish keepers, please avoid feeding your pet goldfish/rosie reds/other cyprinids. They are high in thiaminase and are bad for your predator! Ditto with freeze dried krill, which is nutritionally sad...)


Time to go feed the lion! :D

Wormwood Greenback

Jeesh, talk about getting sidetracked! Ages and ages ago, I posted a WIP of the Greenback...


Yeah. That one.


Anywho, he stared at me from my desk, looking all sad and pathetic, for SO long that I had to break down and finish him.


And I did ^^


Introducing...

Wormwood Greenback, Absinthe greenback

Draconis absinthium

The Wormwood Greenback is native to Eurasia. It derives its name from its preferred habitat: this species is typically found inhabiting fields of Artemisia absinthium - particularily those plants being cultivated for use in procuring the Absinthe spirit. This dragon's habitat, combined with its tendency to be seen alongside a green faerie and body spines capable of injecting a hallucinogenic poison, have also earned it the common name "Absinthe Greenback". 

Unique to the Greenback are large, paddle-like feet adapted to climbing the delicate stems of the wormwood plant. It relies heavily on a long, prehensile tail to aid in climbing. Compared to other dragon species, D. absinthium has very underdeveloped wings and cannot fly long distances; its wings are primarily used as camouflage and for gliding between plants.

D. absinthium is one of the few truly omnivorous dragon species, relying on a diet of insects as well as the nectar of A. absinthium, which has led to the introduction of these dragons as a form of natural pest control by well-meaning farmers of this crop; unfortunately, this has resulted in an invasion of D. absinthium in non-native areas.

Dragonlets are a silvery grey and may sport a fine, downy hair. Adult males sport darker, richer colours than females, and the dominant male in an area will sport a violently golden belly.

While these dragons are not unfriendly, they are considered an undesirable pest.

Heartfelt, a series

Here's a secret... Occasionally, and only when we're begged, mind you... Sharkie and I shoot weddings.


0_o


Yeah. I know.


But I wanted to share this series with you. When Sharkie shot the first image, he had no idea of the significance of what he'd shot.


The day before the wedding, he and I were at the venue for the reception, double and tripple checking lighting, spacing, and all of that other nonsense that goes along with shooting weddings. Vic - Sharkie - looked over, and happened to catch this image:

Post using Nik Silver Efex Pro... Which I love.

Which was cool and all, but... Well, testing lighting, right?

 The next day was the big one. The weather was great, everyone looked perfect, and the wedding ceremony went smoothly (yeah, that actually happens apparently!).


Before the reception we were stalking around, and one-or-the-other of us caught this image:

Nik software again, because...I still love it. No, this isn't HDR.

Which is fun and pretty and all, but...Meh.


Then the reception came. Rather than a speech, the [very talented] brother of the bride wrote and performed a song that had everyone in attendance alternating between tears and stitches.

Still Nik'd... Still love it

And the importance of what we'd unintentionally captured became clear. We photographed brother writing the song (entirely legible!), we photographed him practising the completed song, and we caught him performing it. *Wipes tear*


It's the details that make the day, and this series is a fave.