Solenosiren

A sirenian converging on a ghost pipefish body design ([link]). This one actually turned out fairly conservative, as chimerical creatures go--my original image was of something much more pipefish than manatee, but I found it quite difficult to reconcile the two disparate morphologies. I would still like to explore more exotic variations on this idea, so there may be moar to come.

Just a straightforward future- or alternazoan, I guess. I see no reason to invoke panspermic or otherwise genetic hybridization for such a fairly prosaic design. The only odd element, from a natural history perspective, is that laterally flattened tail paddle. But I guess anything's possible, given enough time or the right circumstances.

I would like to dedicate this drawing to Commander Salamander. Happy Birthday, CS!