Kelp Strongjaw
Paravíaiosmandibula prima is considered to be the most basal genus of the Víaiosmandibulidae as described by the common Taurian Cladografic table (Xerobia et al, 2455) of the Tartarosomnia.
Whereas most other members of its family live in tropical reefs, P. prima lives in colder climates, more specifically in the Union’s Kelp forest, where it feeds on the many plants and animals that live there (including the Kelp Log-Fish).
P. prima is also one of the bigger representatives of the Víaiosmandibulidae, reaching up to 1.8 m in lenght and with some unconfirmed rumors of specimens even surpassing that size.
P. prima is a lone animal, coming together only during the reproductive period.
While being poisonous for men, fisherman usually seek their presence as it is an indicator of amphibian abundance in the area; this is why for many local populations this animal has become a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
This amphibian is also considered big game by Tourists from all around the planet and thus gets targeted for sport fishing often, with many people wanting their personal trophy to bring home.
Unfortunately the local governments are not interested in prohibiting this practice as it is a big source of income to them, even though there have been numerous complaints from local citizens which respect and want to protect this animal.
Basic Information
Anatomy
- Rounded head with a large frontal plate; Cranial and Dorsal armor thick and well developed.
- Protruding teeth from the maxilla very thick and strong.
- Dorsal fin positioned at the base of the Gill tail and composed of Four aculei with a semi transparent membrane; aculei have venom ducts along their length.
- Both Pectoral and Anal I and II fins quadrate in shape.
- Gill tail with low ridges and big caudal fins of equal size and big muscolature.
Genetics and Reproduction
The mating season for the species is early spring.
Both the genders enter heat at the same time and the normally lonesome amphibian will congegrate in nesting sites along the coasts of the Zhem Makhreq, where the mating process begins.
Males of the species will fight for a female's attention by headbutting one with the other and giving strong tail smacks to other males.
Females will choose a mate out of the bunch still fighting and the couple will find a safe spot where the eggs will be layed.
Contested spots will be fought over by both members of the couple, trying to get the others to leave the area.
A female will incubate the eggs in the duct for twenty-four hours before laying them.
The eggs are usually laid on top of a Kelp's flowering end, giving shelter to the eggs under its big petals.
The male will leave the area and return to its territories; the female will remain to see the eggs hatch, however she will not take care of the spawns as she will leave as soon as they are born.
The spawn will cannibalize the smaller and weaker members of the season and will soon move to hunt other amphibians, starting young their active predatorial lifestyle.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ontogenesis marked in the species.
Hatchlings will be transparent at birth and will gradually take the adult pigmentation months after hatching; the head is longer and the teeth underdeveloped at birth.
Loss of natal aculeus at seven months old.
Ecology and Habitats
These are Epipelagic animals that live in the Union's Kelp forest.
They can be found living near the surface of the water during the coldest hours of the day, they'll go deeper when hunting.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Paravíaiosmandibula prima is an active predator.
They stalk large areas of the forest for prey; they are known to prey on Kelp Log-Fish as they pinpoint their fake kelp buds in the sand; their crushing bite is strong enough to pass through the amphibian's armor and straight up crumble it up in small pieces.
Biological Cycle
Sexual maturity at three years old.
Mature individuals very aggressive towards conspecifics.
Long periods of low activity due to the seasonal nature of their environment.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Lonesome animals.
Normally they don't tolerate conspecifics outside of mating season.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Used by fishermen to pinpoint rich hotspots to fish in; these amphibians are not edible though.
A very popular game species for professional anglers; in recent years the species had to be classified as Vulnerable due to overfishing by said sporting activities; Zhem Makhreq isd not interested in protecting the species as it could harm the local economy from tourism coming this way; several people angry for this.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Good sight and smell.
Scientific Name
Eoichthyia; Tartarosomnia; Scutocephalidae; Calvatopinnoidea; Caligobeloidea; Viaiosmandibulidae ; Paravíaiosmandibula; P. prima
Lifespan
25 to 30 years
Conservation Status
VULNERABLE: No measures underway to protect the species even though several people complain it should have some.
Population trend: DECLINE
Average Weight
40 to 110 kg
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Lime green body tint with darker stripes going down the length of the body; Brown armor.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments