Megafin Squid

The Megafin Squid is a large cephalopod that can both crawl and swim around its habitat, propelling itself with only its powerful siphon instead of its arms. They display a hypnosis ability which they use to entice their prey closer, activating it by rapidly shaking their large fins up and down, and turning its glowing patches of skin on and off. Their mouths also contain an extendable whip which they use for bringing food closer to the mouth.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These enormous squid are heavily coated in chitin armor, both on their heads and arms. Their arms are jointed because of this armor, and it uses them to crawl over the seabed, though they'll occasionally take off and swim through the water for a short time. They also have large fins on their head used for display, intimidation, and hypnosis.

Biological Traits

Male Megafins will have much larger skin flaps on their heads, as well as a slightly bulkier shell, just so they can have a chance at attracting a mate.

Genetics and Reproduction

Male members of this species will often put on elaborate mating displays, splaying the fins on their heads, shaking them, doing dances with their legs, and using a bit of hypnosis to attract a female. If chosen by his partner, the male will get to start a family, and these creatures fertilize their eggs through their mouthparts rather than with their arms. Most of the time, these squid will store their eggs away in a Pocket Cave, leaving them to fend for themselves. The eggs have particularly hard shells compared to most, but they can still get eaten if unlucky enough.

Growth Rate & Stages

When first hatched, baby Megafin Squid will have to race to the water in order to not desiccate, learning how to walk in the less dense air. For some time, these squid will stick around their siblings for extra protection, but their shells develop quickly. As soon as they hit the juvenile stage, they'll begin living on their own, hunting small prey with their newly developed hypnosis ability and learning how swim for brief periods of time. These squid only stop growing, and become adults, once their arm length exceeds their body length.

Ecology and Habitats

Megafin Squid live in the Kelp Forests of the Nightlight Zone, and spend much of their time standing still, waiting for prey to swim underneath their legs. If a hunting area doesn't turn out promising, these creatures will crawl over the seabed in search of another, sometimes taking to swimming to get to a desired area faster. The shells from dead specimens have been found nearly everywhere in the Forests, serving as temporary homes for small creatures.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Megafin Squid have a habit of enticing prey to get close to them by standing completely still, disguising themselves as certain bamboo-like plants that grow in their habitats. If a prey item sees through their disguise and flees the scene, the Megafin Squid will attempt to hypnotize it as a last minute resort to bring it closer. They kill their prey by spearing it with their pointy legs, but this can be used against them if their target attacks their feet. If just one of their legs give way, the entire creature can trip, and give their prey a window to escape. Their preferred food sources are Scythe Lobsters, Petrazoans, and Green Rays.

Biological Cycle

If a Megafin stands still long enough, some small plants will start to grow on their arms, helping in making their disguise more convincing. Sometimes, these plants can get destroyed if the squid comes into a conflict with a much stronger predator.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Megafin Squid have extraordinary sight, and can see threats coming from a mile away. Their senses of smell and hearing are also fairly well developed, but this squid doesn't think to use them as often as sight.

Scientific Name

Magnapinna anguli

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

Endangered

Average Height

30 ft.

Average Weight

470 lbs.

Average Physique

Spindly

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Pale green skin, glowing purple eyes

Geographic Distribution

• The Kelp Forests

Average Intelligence
Average