Original Species: Seahemoth
The Seahemoth is a large, herbivorous mammal native to the Arcadian Continent's southern coastal areas. Studies have shown that this particular species is closely related to the Shield-Crown Neobehemoth, a creature native to the more arid, inland parts of the same region. The Seahemoths have evolved over the past few thousand years, during which part of the Shield-Crown Neobehemoth population migrated to the coast in search of new food sources which included algae, seaweed, and the abundant seagrasses growing in the shallow sea around Southern Arcadia.
As it evolved, the Seahemoth made a few changes to its anatomy (when compared to its closest cousin):
- it developed a plantigrade foot structure, thus increasing the surface area of its feet;
- it developed webbing in between its toes, allowing for better swimming capabilities;
- it decreased the size of its crown, allowing for easier aquatic locomotion;
- it developed a bony "sail" on its back, likely to aid in swimming;
- it developed flattened spikes on its tail... potentially to aid in underwater propulsion.
Notably, the Seahemoth can cover surprisingly long distances when swimming. Some Seahemoths even managed to reach some islands off the coast of Arcadia.
in terms of social structure, Seahemoths are mostly solitary animals; they prefer to live alone, unbothered by others of their kind. They only meet up once a year in large "mating gatherings". During such gatherings, males compete with one another for the right to mate with as many females as possible. After a successful mating, the females will continue a solitary lifestyle and give birth to one offspring after around a year-long pregnancy.
Once the baby Seahemoth is born, it will remain by its mother for around 2-3 years, during which it will grow and learn how to survive on its own. By then, it will develop the bony armor which protects the adults from most predatory attacks.
Typically, female Seahemoths will breed every 5 years, giving themselves a year-long break after raising their previous young.
As it evolved, the Seahemoth made a few changes to its anatomy (when compared to its closest cousin):
- it developed a plantigrade foot structure, thus increasing the surface area of its feet;
- it developed webbing in between its toes, allowing for better swimming capabilities;
- it decreased the size of its crown, allowing for easier aquatic locomotion;
- it developed a bony "sail" on its back, likely to aid in swimming;
- it developed flattened spikes on its tail... potentially to aid in underwater propulsion.
Notably, the Seahemoth can cover surprisingly long distances when swimming. Some Seahemoths even managed to reach some islands off the coast of Arcadia.
in terms of social structure, Seahemoths are mostly solitary animals; they prefer to live alone, unbothered by others of their kind. They only meet up once a year in large "mating gatherings". During such gatherings, males compete with one another for the right to mate with as many females as possible. After a successful mating, the females will continue a solitary lifestyle and give birth to one offspring after around a year-long pregnancy.
Once the baby Seahemoth is born, it will remain by its mother for around 2-3 years, during which it will grow and learn how to survive on its own. By then, it will develop the bony armor which protects the adults from most predatory attacks.
Typically, female Seahemoths will breed every 5 years, giving themselves a year-long break after raising their previous young.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Mammal (Other)
Size 1128 x 716px
File Size 758.5 kB
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