Machi Machi- Fisherman's Lizard
Often simply called the Machi Machi in Dekarti tongue, the Fisherman's Lizard is a dog-sized reptilian native to the Golgelen jungle. They earn their name from their unique method of hunting; patiently waiting by the river for a fish to be snagged by a long, spiked tongue.
Basic Information
Anatomy
They're green-scaled, four legged lizards that generally reach the size of a large dog. They have a fairly flat body that they use to lay low nearby riverbeds and have a spade-shaped head with an exceptionally broad mouth filled with a very unique trait; retractable teeth. This makes plenty room for their exceptionally long tongue which can extend a massive three feet, ending with three sharp points.
Their tail is notably flipper-like and flat; broad, and thin. It's also capable of detaching from their body; a natural defense mechanism that allows them to flee from their predators whenever they're captured.
The Machi's tongue is almost worm like; and much like its teeth, is a retractable organ. Bizarrely enough, the tongue acts on a 'spring-load' mechanism and can harpoon outwards so that the sharp tip can harpoon unsuspecting prey -- typically fish.
Their teeth are also hooked, and rather massive when fully retracted and set in place to ensure any prey snagged in their mouth is left trapped in their latching jaws.
Their skin is green by default, but can shift colours to match its surroundings. This allows the Machi to go for prolonged periods of time without worrying about predators that would swoop in to attack them while they loaf nearby the rivers; it also plays into their other unique trait.
Machi lack gills, however, they're capable of holding their breathes for an exceptionally long amount of time. This allows them to actually submerge themselves beneath the river, where their body can change to match the colour of the riverbed whilst their mouth is left hanging open. With the teeth remaining inside the gumline and their long tongue quietly prepared, they can swiftly chomp into any fish unfortunate enough to swim its way into its open maw.
Dietary Needs and Habits
With a diet mostly consisting of fish, the Machi is strictly carnivorous. They generally ignore anything else unless they're threatened or endangered.
Most notably; the Machi is a natural predator to the River Lion, a species of fish that annually swims upstream to breed.
Additional Information
Domestication
Due to their intelligence, Machi are often domesticated. They make fine companions due to their relatively lazy-yet-amicable nature. Machi are also beloved due to them making decent fishing companions; as they can be trained to capture and release fish whilst immaculately keeping the carcass unscathed thanks to their retractable teeth. In many circumstances, Machi can even leave a fish still alive for their owner to prepare on their own.
Conservation Status
Whilst not technically illegal to hunt the beasts, it is often very frowned upon; Machi possess an amicable disposition that's rare to find within the jungle and will not attack travelers unless threatened outright. They are often captured rather than hunted due to their high intelligence; as they make fine companions, even when tamed from the wild.
Average Height
Roughly 2~3 Feet at the shoulders.
Average Weight
120~200 Lbs
Geographic Distribution
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