Apoc-Shark

Biotechnologica
Entry A-23 The Apoc-Shark
Frederick Hubbell, Ichthyologist

Before creatures even considered walking on land, the shark has been the master of the sea. Prowling the depths in one form or another for over 400 million years as a terror to all. They needed little help as the predominant predator beneath the waves and yet the Event has blessed them none the less. Most prominent of the new variations is the apoc-shark, a mutation of the legendary Great White. Already known as a vicious and relentless predators, apoc-sharks have gained upgrades to most of their established arsenal, and been augmented with a few additions, as if they were needed. As with most of these Event hardened species researchers are trying to piece together information as best we can, but with the added aggression of apoc-sharks, there has been no shortage of attacks to provide reference for study. Once the dead doll like eyes fix their glowing red glare on a target, little hope remains for the subject.

The effects of the event typically increases size and the shark has not been left out, with bite patterns indicating monsters as large as 40 feet in length and weighing 14,000 lbs nearly doubling the size of their mundane ancestors. This increase in size has not hampered the speed of the sharks, still able to reach upwards of 25 mph with the potential to propel themselves completely out of the water during an attack. One research vessel was lost off the eastern coast of the Americas when a baited shark launched itself onto the deck, breaking the keel of the boat, sending it to the depths.

In addition to the increase in size, the skin has become thicker with more pronounced, razor sharp denticles which aid the beast moving swiftly and silently through the water like their smaller brethren_[1]. Along the more bony structures of the fish like the head and spine protrude crystalline growths just as sharp and dangerous as a High-bred battle sword. Both denticle and crystal are used in "strafing" attacks on larger, more risky prey. The shark will charge a foe, scrape along it ripping long shreds from the flesh and then circle while the victim struggles and bleeds to death. Usually when blood is in the water, competition comes calling to pick at scraps and left overs. Even this is to be thought better of when dealing with an apoc-shark kill, for another of the new threats the best exhibits is the toxic cloud of bile like mucus the pours from its gills, flowing along behind as it swims.

Scientists have not been able to learn much about the ichor other than the observable effects on living creatures breathing it in as they swim through the cloud. Shortly after inhaling the toxin the creature will begin to swim erratically, losing interest in what ever had caught its attention. The eyes cloud over, the body twitches and shivers as the poison spreads through the system, eventually causing mutation to take over. The mutations seems to be as varied as the life in the sea, but all mutants gain the aggression present in the source.

Most attacks by the apoc-shark seem to still follow the pattern of the mundane variety, happening mainly in early morning or late afternoon hours when the light is dim and visibility is low. It is also assumed that one reason for increased attacks on ships and other man made structures is the electromagnetic noise generated by devices within them agitate or interfere with the sharks Ampullae of Lorenzini_[2].

The only good news we can bring to readers of this tome is that the Megalodon remains a terror of ancient history, for if the gargantuan beast still roamed the seas to be altered by the Event, nothing on or in the water would be safe.

_{[1]Pre-Event studies have found that the denticles create tiny vortices that reduce drag to make swimming more efficient. Denticles also allow sharks to swim silently compared to other fish that generate considerable noise when they ply the water.}

_{[2]Apoc-sharks, like all other sharks, have an extra sense given by the Ampullae of Lorenzini, which enables them to detect the electromagnetic field emitted by the movement of living animals. Every time a living creature moves it generates an electrical field and great whites are so sensitive they can detect half a billionth of a volt. Even heart beats emit a very faint electrical pulse. If close enough the shark can detect even that faint electrical pulse.}