Terragnathan

Terragnathans are large fish with the ability to walk, and without eyes, they rely on hearing to navigate their habitat. This fish also possesses an ability to create a small shockwave by bashing their heads into the ground, used for stunning prey, and occasionally used to defend against larger predators. Despite its strength, Terragnathans are often killed by being attacked from behind, where they have no real means of self defense.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These creatures have long, rounded bodies covered in thick scales. Their hind fins are replaced with walking legs, and their frontal fins are stiffened in an upward position on the sides of their torso. Their mouths are wide, with small numerous teeth, and their chins have larger hardened scales to bash into the ground. Behind their heads rest small coral-like structures to protect their ears.

Biological Traits

Male members of this species have larger pectoral fins, complete with scent glands and a hollow cavity to produce their rattling sound.

Genetics and Reproduction

Male Terragnathans mainly use their frontal fins for mating displays. When they encounter a female, the fins will begin to give off a fairly pleasant scent, and shaking them causes a rattling sound designed to create a faint melody. The males will shake their fins up and down rapidly in an attempt to court a potential partner, and if they like the sounds created by the rattling, the two will mate and lay their batch of eggs. Soon after the eggs are laid, the mother will kill her mate and use his carcass as an incubator for the eggs, while she continues with her daily life.

Growth Rate & Stages

When these fish first hatch, they'll begin consuming their father's body while it is still fresh, which will last them until adulthood. In youth, the Terragnathans will part their separate ways, and be able to hide in crevices without the need to worry about their siblings. For a long period of time, they will simply wait to grow in size, not needing to eat anything else for a while. As soon as they become large enough, they'll begin ramming their heads into the ground to defend themselves, as they won't be able to hide in many places for long. They'll also begin hunting prey by hiding in pools of water they come across, once the reserves from their father run out.

Ecology and Habitats

These creatures live in the Pocket Caves, mostly staying in the air, and only going in water to ambush prey. They don't do much with their environment, but some varieties that live underneath the Forests have to constantly clear away large vines that obstruct their path, mostly with brute force. Though, this can lead to more vines falling on top of them. Varieties that live under the Wastes have to clear ice covering water pools, which they manage with their tough heads. This also opens an opportunity for prey to walk over seeing the accessible water, unknowing that the Terragnathan is hiding within.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These creatures will only eat Rock Mites and Ambulochinas. Their preferred method of catching prey is to lie inside a water pool. When a prey item walks over in need of a drink, the Terragnathan lunges forth and attempts to catch them with their jaws. If the prey manages to escape, they can create a shockwave and briefly stun them, and try at least one more time to catch them.

Biological Cycle

Terragnathans that live underneath the Frozen Wastes often have clumps of ice growing on the undersides of their heads, which sometimes breaks when they get in a confrontation with a larger predator.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Without eyes, the Terragnathan's main method of sensing its surroundings is its hearing. The creature's hearing organs are so valued, that they have to be protected at all costs, otherwise the fish is virtually helpless if they get damaged.

Scientific Name

Ichthyostega fortis

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Weight

310 lbs.

Average Length

8.2 ft.

Average Physique

Streamlined

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark blue skin, navy underside of head, dark red fins

Geographic Distribution

• The Air Pocket Caves

Average Intelligence
Fairly high