Gillbelly
Gillbelly (Aqualiventris primus) | |
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Creator | Hydromancerx Other |
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Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Superfamily Family Genus Species | Eukaryota Mancerxa Phylloichthyia Astrapodorsi Scootypufformes Aqualiventroidea Aqualiventridae Aqualiventris Aqualiventris primus |
Week/Generation | 23/148 |
Habitat | Bumpy Polar Coast |
Size | 10 cm Long |
Primary Mobility | Unknown |
Support | Unknown |
Diet | Adult: Nectivore (Lurehum), Juveniles: Filter-Feeder (Starburst Redmoss, Snowflake Redmoss, Ladder Redmoss), Photosynthesis |
Respiration | Semi-Active (Aerial Gill Pouch), Passive (Transcutaneous) |
Thermoregulation | Ectotherm |
Reproduction | Sexual, Spawning, Two Sexes |
The gillbelly replaced its ancestor, the nectascooter. Through natural selection those with a coloration that mimicked the pink leaves of the lurehum survived and those that did not got eaten. Thus they lost their photosynthesis in favor of pink camouflage.
To help them climb up the tall trunks of the lurehums they developed 2 separate toes on each foot. Like their ancestors these had sticky suction cups to adhere to whatever surface they were on. Their legs got stronger as well and they can now jump great distances. This allows them to jump from lurehum to lurehum without going in the water where predators can lurk. It also allows them to jump off quickly in-case of aerial predators.
Their long mouth has become not only longer but they have suction cup lips which they use as a 3rd limb which climbing up lurehum trunks. They are very flexible and stretchy to they can reach far. They now can stay outside the water longer due to their increased water pouches which are on their belly. When filled they keep their internal gills wet and oxygenated. Around the sides of their bellies are siphons which can let in water when underwater but close up when outside the water. This also means it doesn't need to use its mouth anymore to breathe.
Like their ancestors they are attracted by the vibrations of the lurehums and can feel it in their suction cups. They are deaf otherwise and must rely mainly on their sight. However this can be tricky with only one eye and they tend to miss when trying to jump from one lurehum to another. If a predator mange to bite them they will use their back spikes to shock the predator when they touch 2 spikes, thus connecting the charge.
They will spawn in the water during the spring. Their offspring start out looking like green swarmers and filter-feed until they reach adulthood. Once adults they lose their photosynthesis and become pink nectarvores who spend most of their lives outside the water climbing on lurehums.