Pierceskimmer

Pierceskimmers were large fish-like ocean predators that had been found on a number of worlds. They grew between sixteen and eighteen meters in length, some as large as twenty two meters, though reports of ones reaching thirty meters are largely considered to be fictional.

A pierceskimmer's most distinguishing feature was its large spike-like horn, taking up a third of its length. It had four sets of fins, two dorsal pairs splayed in "V" formations, as well as two ventral pairs further spaced along its body, propelling it through the water at dangerous speeds. Also worth noting was the tough blue/grey hide of the creature, covered with countless number of tiny scales, which could rip and tear flesh upon contact. Its hide could be used to make items such as boots or belts, though one had to be careful not to cut oneself on it.

Pierceskimmers were extremely dangerous carnivores, attacking creatures far larger than themselves, even boats and repulsorcraft. In combat, the pierceskimmer would stab its foe dozens of times with its large horn, sometimes skewering smaller creatures outright. The predator could strike with enough force to punch straight through armor and rip through vital organs. After killing a foe, the pierceskimmer would usually take a few bites, leaving most of the creature untouched as it swam on, often resulting in the pierceskimmer being followed by water-going scavengers that feed in its wake.

Historians hypothesized that most of the pierceskimmers found on other worlds were removed from the original homeworld (likely Drexel II) a long time ago by game hunters, only to escape into the wilds and flourish.