Vilmacanthid

Vilmacanthids are small soft-bodied herbivores, covered in tough scales and spines, which can eject themselves from the creature's scales. These spines can be shot out at creatures larger than them, but once they are ejected it takes time for them to regrow, which leaves a large window for the creature to get attacked. This species can be found nearly everywhere, gathering in tight spaces in the ground to hide when they run out of spines.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vilmacanthids' bodies are extremely soft and fluid, covered by multiple scales that make up a protective shell. The shell has sharp serrations on the edges, along with thin spines poking through that can be launched at predators. This creature also has a large proboscis hidden from view, which aids in feeding and reproduction.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vilmacanthids will always interact with other members of their species in order to see if they should mate. If both parties desire to mate with each other, they will grind their spines over their shells, in order to court one another. This practice usually involves one individual doing so at a time back and forth. Then, the two will crawl closer together, and interlock their proboscises, as it is the only way to fertilize their gametes. They lay their egg sacs in small indents in the ground nearby their food sources for the young to eat.

Growth Rate & Stages

After the larvae spend enough time incubating, their egg sac will dissolve all at once, and send them tumbling onto the ground. For a while, these larvae spend their time getting used to crawling around their hatching ground, able to survive being eaten by being too small to be seen as sustainable. Their shells start out small and weak, and grow to cover more skin over time. Their spines will also start developing at a young age, and soon be able to be shot out into the open water, which leads to the offspring attempting to travel away from their nest to find new food sources. As they get used to defending themselves with their spines, they'll keep growing larger until they reach their mature size.

Ecology and Habitats

Vilmacanthids are found in the Halocline Pits, and are exclusively found on the seafloor. They usually travel long distances by themselves, but they have been observed grouping together either in periods of rest or when feeding. They can crawl near the edge of the halocline rivers in their environment, which they use to tempt predators to not attack. Without a threat of attack, they can safely travel using this method for long periods of time.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These creatures commonly eat Deep Fruit and Spiralwood leaves. The fruit they can easily access by crawling through the plant's branches without worry of its thorns, while they have to climb the stems of Spiralwoods in order to reach their leaves. Vilmacanthids are very protective of their food - except with other members of their species - and will attempt to threaten other plant-eating creatures with their spines, in order to get a meal all to themselves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Vilmacanthids are presumed to have at least some form of sociality, but this only extends to them being tolerant of each other's presences when gathering in groups. When they are young, they also stick close to their siblings for security, but will also generally fend for themselves if a threat comes near.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

These creatures are sometimes killed by Cave Stalkers and stripped of their shells, so the shells can be worn for decor, mostly on their bags and bedding.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vilmacanthids are blind, and instead make use of their hearing and smell to navigate their habitat. It almost exclusively uses smell to detect food, and hearing to detect other creatures nearby. It also uses its sense of touch to ensure it is eating what it is supposed to be.

Scientific Name

Wiwaxia vlima

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Weight

25 lbs.

Average Length

1 ft.

Average Physique

Flat

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Blue skin, grey scales, ivory-colored spines

Geographic Distribution

• The Halocline Pits

Average Intelligence
Low