Splitting from its ancestor, the ninth lake skimmer mainly feeds at the surface of the lake, avoiding competition with the midwater saltswarmer. In order to escape from predators, it has developed the ability to lead above the water for a few feet, not very far, but enough to cause ripples and confuse predators. To do this it has well-muscled fins and has adapted its tail to make a better fin. Since it relies less upon camouflage, it still retains strong photosynthesis over portions of its body the provide a bit of extra nutrients, and, like its relative the midwater saltswarmer, it has developed basic hearing ability in the form of sensory nodes along its sides that detect vibration.
Living Relatives (click to show/hide)
These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)
