Asseristome
The Asseristome is an armored predator of the Sand Plains, hunting just about anywhere where life can thrive. They mostly hunt on their own, their favorite method of catching their prey being a type of paralysis that they activate with the strands near their tails. Although effective, it is thought that this ability can only be activated every once in a while.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Asseristome has a streamlined body covered in several exoskeletal plates, each having small spikes jutting upwards, and large skin flaps that help the creature propel itself. The creature feeds with two flexible scythe-shaped appendages next to their mouths, above which are glowing eye stalks. The Asseristome's tail contains multiple skin flaps much like their sides, as well as two long strands used for hunting and sensing their environment.
Genetics and Reproduction
Male members of this species will do nearly anything to attract a female for themselves, getting their attentions by swimming close to them and consistently pestering them. If a male gets chosen by his desired partner, they will mate, and he will be eaten right after the process. Then, the mother will lay her eggs inside his corpse for the newborns to eat from, before moving on to find more Asseristomes to mate with.
Growth Rate & Stages
Newborn Asseristomes will hatch from their eggs prematurely, eating their way out of their father to get the food they need to continue. After they spend some time together with their siblings, they will part their separate ways and live on their own in their environment, scavenging from fresh carcasses to survive. Young Asseristomes have shown to be very far-sighted compared to the adults, thought to be one reason they only develop their strands later in life for sensing threats they cannot see. Once they reach adulthood they will also take on a more active hunting lifestyle, putting their newly found paralysis ability to good use.
Ecology and Habitats
Asseristomes are only found in the Plains, prowling wherever their prey's populations are dense. Some have also been found completely isolated in pools found inside Pocket Caves, though it is unknown how they get inside these caves at all, or how they continue thriving.
Dietary Needs and Habits
These creatures will feed on Beak Tuna and Horned Trilobites. When hunting, they will wave their tail strands forwards, sending a current through the water and briefly paralyzing their prey before it swims away, giving them just enough time to catch up and make a kill. If they get desperate enough for a meal, they may attempt to hunt for creatures they don't normally eat, making them open for an attack from other predators in the ecosystem. Asseristomes' paralysis appears to be useless against creatures stronger than themselves.
Additional Information
Social Structure
There have been records of Asseristomes teaming up to take down groups of Horned Trilobites and Beak Tuna, though they don't show any type of compassion towards one another, as some groups have been found breaking down into a war over a kill.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Asseristomes have eight eyes resting on short stalks, positioned so they can get a wide view of their surroundings. They can also move their heads around as if they had a neck, though this seems redundant with their eyes already covering everything. On top of sight, their tails contain sensors over every inch, able to detect almost anything from their rear.
Scientific Name
Anomalocaris asseribus
Lifespan
Unknown
Average Weight
130 lbs
Average Length
8 ft.
Average Physique
Slim
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Grey shell, glowing blue eyes
Geographic Distribution
Low
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments