Fantastic Beasts: Art Department

'The Niffler is a British beast. Fluffy, black and long-snouted, this burrowing creature has a predilection for anything glittery. Nifflers are often kept by goblins to burrow deep into the earth for treasure. Though the Niffler is gentle and even affectionate, it can be destructive to belongings and should never be kept in a house.'

'The Demiguise is found in the Far East, though only with great difficulty, for this beast is able to make itself invisible when threatened and can be seen only by wizards skilled in its capture. The Demiguise is a peaceful herbivorous beast, something like a graceful ape in appearance, with large, black, doleful eyes more often than not hidden by its hair. The whole body is covered with long, fine, silky, silvery hair. Demiguise pelts are highly valued as the hair may be spun into Invisibility Cloaks.'

'The thunderbird is a large, avian creature native to the arid Arizona climate in the United States. It is closely related to the phoenix. An Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry house was named after this creature. It can create storms as it flies, and can sense danger.'

'The Nundu is a giant mammal similar to a leopard that is native to East Africa. It moves silently, despite its "gigantic" size, and is considered by some to be the most dangerous creature alive. The breath of the Nundu is toxic and filled with disease. This alone can wipe out entire villages of people. The Nundu is extremely hard to subdue, and has never been defeated by less than around one hundred wizards working together.'

'A Bowtruckle is a tree dwelling creature found in western England, southern Germany, and Scandinavian forests. They appear to be made of bark and twigs with two brown eyes which makes them hard to distinguish from the trees they inhabit.'

'A large, butterfly-like creature that emerges from a small object, possibly a cocoon.'

'The Doxy, sometimes referred to as the Biting Fairy, is a small Fairy-like creature, sometimes mistaken for a Fairy. The Doxy is covered in coarse black hair, and has an additional set of arms and legs. Doxies have shiny beetle-like wings, and a double row of sharp venomous teeth.'

'The Occamy, a plumed, two-legged winged creature with a serpentine body, is aggressive to all who approach it, particularly in defence of its eggs, whose shells are made of the purest, softest silver.'

'The Erumpent is a huge African magical beast resembling a rhinoceros. It is a powerful creature, with a thick hide capable of repelling most curses and charms, a single long horn, and a thick tail. They are treated with great caution and respect by African wizards and witches.'

The art department were tasked with creating a look for the creeping menace of the Obscurus; something barely tangible, visible, yet oozing power and malevolence.