Cactipus
Cactipi are large reptiles found in arid desert environments of the Region of Sarra and western Aekor. The creatures use their impressive camouflaging abilities to resemble a cactus flawlessly.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Cactipi have 6 tentacles that reach far down in the ground, to keep them firmly attached to the desert sands during sandstorms. Their scaly skin looks almost leathery from a distance, similar to cacti. The skin is light green, with darker green vertical stripes. The mouth of the creature extends from the top of its head all the way down, close to where it sticks into the ground. The mouth resembles a venus fly trap, with spindly teeth trapping prey. Its eyes also sit within its mouth. These hefty creatures are mostly muscle, making them rather heavy and difficult to manually move.
Genetics and Reproduction
Cactipi live far away from each other, and since they are very slow moving, don't have time to mate. That's why cactipi have the ability to change their gender to asexually reproduce, and lay 3-5 eggs that sit underneath the tentacles, keeping warm.
Growth Rate & Stages
When the eggs hatch, the caclings are very fast, and slither along the ground with their tentacles. As they grow up, they get slower and slower, until they become adults when they move as fast as a metre an hour. This means the babies are encouraged to leave the parent as soon as possible, even though they can't hunt well themselves. This leads to few cactipi ever reaching adulthood.
Ecology and Habitats
Cactipi thrive in arid environments. They use up all their energy during the night when it is cooler to hunt for prey, and during the days it absorbs heat to keep their energy levels up for the night. The sands allow the tentacles to easily enter the ground to secure them to it.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Cactipi are carnivorous, eating any prey it can fit in its mouth. Their teeth secrete a mild venom that usually paralyses its victims. This venom is a level 2 on the APS. Cactipi have been known to eat arabads, charmites, small and large herbivores, and birds that land on the creature trying to drink the water from it as they would with a regular cactus.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Cactipi have the ability to see in the night, which allows them to hunt for prey during the night too, when more creatures are out to avoid the heat.
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