Colloquial Name: Magmaid

Scientific Name: Ignis Homo Subphylum

Introduction:

The ignis homo subphylum, directly translated as “fire human fish” and more commonly known as a magmaid (magma-maid), is a humanoid fish creature.

Side note: male magmaids are oftentimes referred to as “magmen,” but this is an incorrect reference and common misconception. Just as female humans are still human and not “huwoman,” male magmaids are still magmaids. “Magmen” is a made-up term.

Physique:

As a halfbreed, the magmaid appears human from the waste up and fish from the waste down. Their scales and skin are black when exposed to oxygen and a bright orange or red while immersed in lava. This trait acts as a camouflage technique that assists a magmaid in hiding from predators and hunting prey.

Resembling molten rock, patches of scales cover sensitive body parts, such as reproductive organs, glandular organs, eyelids, finger tips, and most of the tail. These scales act as a natural body armor, similar to how fur, quills, and shells act on other animals.

Fins line their tail, elbows, and spine. Although it is a recessive trait, some magmaids have webbed fingers.

Most magmaids are female, seeing as X chromosomes are more common than Y chromosomes while breeding. Around 67% of the magmaid population is female, leaving the remaining 43% to be male.

Habitat:

Closely related to yet in contrast with the mermaid, the magmaid lives in lava pools and can survive only in temperatures above 700 °C (1,300 °F).

Although some perfer rivers, magmaids are typically drawn to larger bodies of lava such as lakes or seas. Volcanoes act as popular homes to larger colonies of magmaids.

These creatures find or construct building-like structures beneath lava surfaces. They can also be found above the surface in sea-level caves or lying on molton rocks.

Diet:

Seeing as plants are unable to survive in their habitual conditions, magmaids are carnivorous. Similar to other large lava species, magmaids feast on smaller creatures swimming throughout the seas.

They also feast upon land creatures, as they are able to attract their kill with what is widely known as a “siren song,” an enchanting vocal tune that lures prey toward a hungry magmaid.

Eating habits are often affected by age, as the youth and elderly consume smaller portions, while middle-aged and growing magmaids require more food. This is also due to the relationship between siren song and age, for younger and older magmaids have a weaker lure.

Behavior:

Magmaids live, hunt, and travel in groups, as is a result of their complex hierarchy and strong familial values.

Due to the female majority amongst the magmaid population, males breed with multiple women and never mate for life. Young magmaids are often raised by their biological mother and other females who act as maternal figures.

When handlig their dead, magmaids perform what is considered to be a ceremonial act. Since their flesh is unable to burn, they bury their dead. Once in the ground long enough, the body decays.

Life Cycle:

It has been a topic of confusion whether magmaids lay eggs like fish or give live birth like humans. Seeing as their reproductive organs are located in the phylum region, magmaids lay what look like large fish eggs. The embryo grows inside a sphere of maternal mRNAs, numerous organelles, yolk inclusions, proteins, as well as lipid droplets and pigments intermingled in the egg cytoplasm until hatching.

Throughout the first 3 years of their lives, magmaids deeply depend on their maternal figures for guidance and survival. The next 7 years of their life, magmaids grow to become more self-reliant while still strongly bonded with family members. After reaching 11 years of age, a magmaid is considered an adolescent and socially accepted as ready for and expected to reproduce.

The average age expectancy for a healthy magmaid is 58 years. Magmaids ages 15-30 are considered at their prime and healthiest.