Sandfish

The Sandfish is a large ambush predator, routinely burying themselves in the sand to catch prey, and showing high territorial behaviors. Sandfish will attempt to rip each other's head off over either mates or territory, and their brawls often destroy a lot of their surroundings.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sandfish have long flat bodies covered in thick scales, and sporting lobe-finned pseudo limbs. Their strong frontal fins allow them to bury their entire bodies under the sand, with only their head and diamond-shaped tail fin sticking out. Sandfish teeth are long and dagger like, with some teeth growing longer along the bottom jaw.

Biological Traits

Male Sandfish have slightly longer teeth on their bottom jaw, while females' teeth are generally well-rounded, but not any less sharp.

Genetics and Reproduction

When a conflict arises over the need to reproduce, male Sandfish will engage in a duel. Initially, they'll show off their jaws in an attempt to make their opponent back down. If neither flee the scene, they'll begin biting each other behind the head, and rapidly dragging each other through the sand. They often create massive sand clouds from these duels, and there have been some instance of the two rivals shattering rocks to pieces, mostly by ramming each other's heads into them at high speeds. The victor of these duels will get to start a family, while the one who loses has a chance of dying.

Growth Rate & Stages

Sandfish are born with minimal siblings, and spend much of their time learning from their mother how to use their fore fins to dig in the sand. They often use their new-found skills to catch smaller critters that happen to wander into their territory, never sharing their prize with any of their family members. As they get older, they may prefer to be alone most often, adopting completely solitary lifestyles by the time they're adults.

Ecology and Habitats

The Plains are only where Sandfish are found, and they are almost always found submerged in the sand, simply lying in wait for their prey. The only times when Sandfish will get out of their burrows and travel their environment is when their current hunting grounds yield minimal results, or they get forced out by a rival Sandfish. Sandfish that swim out in the open are normally targets for Thanadons.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sandfish will hunt for food by lying in wait in the sand, waiting for hours on end without moving an inch. Being still is crucial for a Sandfish, as even the slightest movement will scare away potential prey, and when a prey item does come close, they usually have to be right next to their heads in order for them to strike. These prey items include Horned Trilobites, Asseristomes, and Gladioceras. Sandfish will hunt in areas that also have predators inside, for if another predator chases some prey of their own into the scene, the Sandfish will rush forward and take it for itself. Sometimes, they can get both the original prey item and the other predator in the chase.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on the top of their heads, allowing them to see and smell while buried in the ground. The eyes and teeth of the Sandfish are made to resemble stones simply resting in the sand, providing maximum camouflage.

Scientific Name

Plancis harenae

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Weight

1,000 lbs

Average Length

17 ft.

Average Physique

Flat

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Yellow-brown in color

Geographic Distribution

• The Sand Plains

Average Intelligence
Fairly high