The animals that inhabit the Crown of the Northern Abyss evolved from those that could traverse mountain ranges connecting it to mainland Elysium or navigate the network of underground tunnels below the ocean's surface. Among the creatures that were capable of doing the latter are the Gruntlings. Some reached the Crown from Arcadia and spread out, diversifying into new species.

The Abyss Crown Gruntling is the direct descendant of the Glow-Back Gruntling. This critter scurries around the rocky areas of the Crown in search of any edible tidbits, from leaves, roots, and tubers, to eggs and insect larvae, with the occasional shellfish found by the beach. It possesses a semi-prehensile tail that serves as a safety rope when traversing the rugged terrain of its home.

The longer, thicker tail, and the glowing structures on the Gruntling's back, are both holdovers from its subterranean relative.

This curious little omnivore is often willing to approach researchers, as it does not recognize people as predators.
Caution: the Gruntling is very likely to steal any unattended pieces of food it can find around campsites.