Sharkat

Found near bodies of water, a sharkat is a small creature that resembles a furred shark on four legs.
They are common pets to have on naval vessels and kept as rodent deterrents.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Its fur is waterproof similar to a penguin's and its legs are like those of a cat. Their colour variations are more like sharks.
Unlike a shark, however, they lacked gills and instead hold their breath through a blowhole like a dolphin when submerged in water.
Sharkats communicate through clicks, whistles, and purs. Domesticated Sharkats have also learned to express advanced emotions such as disappointment, desire, and happiness.

Ecology and Habitats

Most assume the shark-shaped creatures to dwell in water, but in actuality, they dig out small dens as foxes do. Their dens are often near bodies of water, preferably freshwater, and elevated to avoid changing tides and flooding.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sharkats are carnivores through and through as they lack the teeth to chew vegetation.
Domesticated sharkats appreciate fruit jam or crushed berries which they lick up with their barbed tongues.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their finicky nature makes them difficult animals to tame for specific purposes.
Sailors often keep a few onboard their naval vessels to deter rodents during their voyages.
Fishermen would employ a few to help with fishing, letting them keep some of the catch as payment.
They seem to be content with anything so long as they are entertained and fed.

Average Intelligence

Like any wild creature, their survival instinct drives their decision making, however, some suggest that, like cats, they may know more than they are letting on.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lacking a nose with nostrils, a sharkat's olfactory is accomplished through their tongue, which gives them a constant "panting for air" appearance. Despite it being a land creature, its olfactory is more effective when in water. They swim with an ajar mouth to pick up scents and locate food.
Their eyes are catlike but function like a shark's granting them underwater vision and superb darkvision. It, however, cannot see through conditions that obscure visibility such as murky water or an ink cloud from a defending squid.

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

9.1 inches (or 23 cm) to 9.8 inches (or 25 cm)

Average Weight

18 lbs (or 8.16 kg) to 25 lbs (or 11.34 kg)

Average Length

16.9 inches (or 43 cm) to 19.3 inches (or 49 cm)

Geographic Distribution

• Vestmir