Soruica Ring-eel

Ring-eels are a species of 'thin atmosphere ring fauna', the evolution of which is still uncertain. They are the largest species of ring fauna, whose range encircles the planet Soruica from its innermost ring system practically to synchronous orbit with the planet.

The eels are observed mostly among the thin atmosphere trapped by Soruica's ring system, but may migrate out to distances of soruisynchronous orbit for as yet unknown reasons, although patterns are seen of this behavior occurring when an eel is searching for a new territory within the ring system, while allowing the rings to pass in faster orbit. This theory would require the extraordinary assumption that ring-eels can see features of the ring system from large distances.

Movement in very thin- to non-atmospheric conditions is facilitated by the eels by jets of molecular oxygen being expelled from vents in the sides and tail of the eel in various directions.

Eels prey on smaller fauna in and around the ring system by opening a large set of jaws and propelling themselves in the direction of food, usually sendrils, which are easily chased or stranded out of atmosphere and unable to change direction.

Hibernation
Ring-eels spend a period of about several Impendian blooms hunting on the dark side of Soruica's ring system, but when they are about to emerge from the dark side, they will propel themselves with their vents out from the ring system to synchronous orbit and hibernate. While in hibernation, the eels are away from dangers within the ring system and typically far from each other, and undergo physiological changes that allow them to survive without food for several more Impendian blooms. Rows of energy-storing orbs along their bodies trap the radiation hitting them from Xollum, and some believe can even heal scarring and illness.

When about to re-emerge into the dark side of the planet, eels will search out new territory as the ring system passes by in faster orbit, or may return to the same territory, and use reserves of molecular oxygen to propel themselves inward. Several young eels have been found to have spent their reserves while out beyond the ring system, never able to return to replenish their air bladders.