Ushakus
The Ushakus (kochariomos gistu)[edit | edit source]
Ushakus are a group of reptile characterized by a large venom gland behind the eye, five large defined scales on their side and the remains of a dorsal fin from its shark ancestor. It is a relatively new species discovered in 2006 by German biologist Johann Sebastian Bach not to be confused with the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach of the 17th century. Some sources incorrectly attribute the discovery of this species to Dmitry Ushakov, however Bach discovered the genus six months before Ushakov, the name of the reptile notwithstanding.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The word ushakus comes from the zulu word for shark ushaka, and the scientific name is derived from the greek word for land shark kocharia gis.
Evolution[edit | edit source]
The ushakus evolved from a lesser known species of shark, the port jackson shark, evidence of this can come from DNA testing of the two animals they share 96% of their DNA. Also the ushakus has the remains of a dorsal fin which is not needed in the ushakus' environment, but is still found on the animal because it has not fully evolved. About a hundred million years ago massive earthquakes struck australia and the waters were polluted with dust and debris, the port jackson shark survived but conditions were not optimal, the animal began to evolve. Over the course of one hundred million years the shark developed its fins into legs and its gills into rough scales, its skin was required to become more thick to withstand the more rugged elements. The Ushakus has rows of teeth and is constantly replenishing them just as its ancestor did, the ushakus’ tail developed into a long strong tail with ridges on the top.
Habitat, Structure, and life cycle[edit | edit source]
The ushakus lives on the coasts of Australia and feeds primarily feeds on small mammals and birds but is able to eat anything smaller than it. It is one of the top predators on the food chain and it’s only natural predators are red backed spiders and digutes - two of the most poisonous animals on the planet. The ushakus lives about 20 years and 18 years of them are spent fully grown, they are monogamous animals and will reproduce 15-18 times in a lifetime. The reptile lays eggs and the female tends to them.