Krocormr

The Krocormr, which names translates as Hook Dragon or Grappling Dragon is not a true member of the dragon family, it is however one of the largest known reptile species that still lives on land or in the water. Krocormr are brutal, fearsome, and instinctive hunters. In the swamp lands and waters they reside in, Krocormr sit on the top of the food chain, with no natural predators. Most intelligent beings will give a wide berth to the feeding grounds of a Krocormr.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A Krocormr’s physical traits allow it to be a successful predator. It had somewhat telescoped eyes and a long snout comprising most of the length of the skull. There are 45 teeth in each side of the upper jaw, while in the lower jaw there are 36 teeth in each side. Unlike other reptiles, a Krocormr has a cerebral cortex and a four-chambered heart. The Krocormr's large lung capacity allow it to survive underwater for up too two hours without coming up for air.

Its external morphology is a sign of its aquatic and predatory lifestyle. Its streamlined body enables it to swim swiftly. It also tucks its feet to the side while swimming, making it faster by decreasing water resistance. Krocormr have webbed feet which, though not used to propel them through the water, allow them to make fast turns and sudden moves in the water or initiate swimming. Webbed feet are an advantage in shallow water, where the animals sometimes move around by walking.

Krocormr have somewhat smoother skin on their bellies, while their dorsal and side surfaces are armored with large scales and is thick and rugged, providing some protection. They are still able to absorb heat through this armor.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mating occurs during the summer months, with the eggs laid in the fall. Females are antagonistic and resist with their claws and teeth during the early phases of courtship. Therefore, the male must fully restrain the female during coitus to avoid being hurt.

When Female Krocormr’s lay their eggs they generally make many camouflage nests/holes to prevent other animals from eating the eggs. Clutches contain an average of 30 eggs, which have an incubation period of 7–8 months. Hatching is an exhausting effort for the neonates, which break out of their eggshells with an egg tooth that falls off before long. After cutting themselves out, the hatchlings may lie in their eggshells for hours before starting to dig out of the nest. They are born quite defenseless and are vulnerable to predation. Once born a female Krocormr will abandon her young, they will have to learn to live on their own to survive.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young Krocormr spend much of their first few years on land, where they are relatively safe from predators, including cannibalistic adults. Krocormr take approximately 8 to 9 years to mature, and may live for up to 60 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Temperate to warm waters, swamplands.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Being cold-blooded predators, Krocormr have a very slow metabolism, so they can survive long periods without food. Solitary animals, Krocormr hunt and ambush prey including birds, mammals and other smaller beasts and if extremely hungry, humanoids, and occasionally other Krocormr.

Krocormr are ambush predators, waiting for fish or land animals to come close, then rushing out to attack. When attacking, a single bite of a Krocormr often restrains it prey, whereupon the Krocormr will begin to crush its prey with its jaws and will attempt to drown the prey as well if in or near water. Once its prey has stopped moving the Krocormr will swallow it whole.

Despite their appearance of being slow, Krocormr have a very fast strike and have been observed attacking and killing other predators such as sharks and big cats. Krocormr are also known to be aggressive scavengers who feed upon carrion and steal from other predators.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Krocormr possess some advanced cognitive abilities. They can observe and use patterns of prey behavior, such as when prey come to the river to drink at the same time each day.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Krocormr have acute senses, an evolutionary advantage that makes them successful predators. The eyes, ears and nostrils are located on top of the head, allowing the Krocormr to lie low in the water, almost totally submerged and hidden from prey.

Vision: Krocormr have very good night vision, and are mostly nocturnal hunters. They use the disadvantage of most prey animals' poor nocturnal vision to their advantage. Krocormr have vertical-slit shaped pupils, similar to those of domestic cats.

Olfaction: The Krocormr sense of smell is also very well developed, aiding them to detect prey or animal carcasses that are on land from far away. Krocormr close their nostrils when submerged, so olfaction underwater is unlikely. Underwater food detection is presumably gustatory and tactile.

Hearing: Krocormr can hear as well as the average creature.

Touch: The upper and lower jaws are covered with sensory pits, visible as small, black or brown speckles on the skin. This makes it possible for Krocormr to detect prey, danger and intruders, even in total darkness.

Scientific Name

Reptilian Beast

Lifespan

60 Years

Conservation Status

At this time the numbers of Krocormr on Eirath is unknown. However, given their label as an Apex Predator and their birth rates the Krocormr is not considered endangered.

Average Weight

3.8–4.5 tonnes

Average Length

10–12.5 m (32.8–41.1 ft)