Dxaundii, also called the “Super-Moby Dick of Space” or “Philip’s Folly”, is a space legend based on fact.
Dr. Philip Lanphier, a doctor of bio-robotics, was experimenting with a small Dxaundian wingfish, using electrical stimulation to cause the creature’s growth pattern to change. The experiment worked, too well, and the Dxaundii, suddenly the size of five spaceships, flew off into space in search of more food for its increased bulk.
The creature terrorized passing spaceships, and Lightning Lad was the first member of the Legion of Super-Heroes to respond to their distress calls. He attacked the monster, but its transformed hide changed the bolts into radioactive energy and reflected them back towards their wielder. Consequently, Lightning Lad’s entire arm had to be replaced by a bio-robotic limb designed by Dr. Lanphier.
Lightning Lad vowed to destroy the Dxaundii in retaliation for the loss of his arm and he led the Legionnaires on a hunt for the beast. After several attacks by his fellow Legionnaires failed, Lightning Lad faced the beast alone again, this time with a power augmenter strapped to his new arm. This time the altered bolts reversed the creature’s rapid growth.
Now returned to its original small size, the Dxaundii was brought to the biolab which was its home. Dr. Lanphier gave up his practice and went voluntarily into custody for conducting dangerous experiments. Given a probated sentence, he is currently doing charity work for the outer colonies.