Animals of the Year

[Swatopluk]

Although we have introduced the concept of the monastery animal(s) of the year in 2008 with the infamous duck season, there is not yet an 'official' thread on the topic.

Let's recall:

In 2008 we got invaded by The Duck, that lives in all the classical elements
Air Water Earth and Fire

In 2009 it were moose and camel, esp. The Bactrian Moose


In 2010 the concept got expanded to an animal each for sea, air and land
Portuguese Man-o-War, Lämmergeier and Maned Wolf


This year we have
Requiem Shark, Hoopoe and Musk Deer


So this is the thread to discuss matters relating to these noble creatures.
Let there be song and poetry too!

[Opsa]

I see water, air and earth, but where's the fire? 

[Aggie]

This is still aquatic, but since it prefers hot springs, I think we can count it as fire:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banff_Springs_snail

[Swatopluk]

The jellyfish counts as fire too, at least the victims (still able to talk) would say so.

OK, let's add the fire (-coloured) beetle

[pieces o nine]

^  That is a fine jewelry inspiration!

[Aggie]

Bump. 

The beetle looks similar to one (black and red, but not so vivid) that makes very good trout bait.  I used to rarely catch the beetles, and rarely catch trout, but often catch a trout when I caught a beetle, off the dock when I was a kid.