Watol-Kiap

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Watol-Kiap - "Sebastian Romu" © 2019

About

Common Names
Watol-Kiap - Creek Scooters (Tabras)
Classification
Arthropod
These freshwater arthropods are found in the rivers and streams of Tabras and are considered a local delicacy by poorer folk. A common nick-name for them is "Creek Scooters" given for their predator evasion method of suddenly swimming backward using their tails and oar-like legs.

Description

Size
< 0.25 kg (< 1/2 pound), < 20 cm ( 5-6 inches)
Appearance
Long bodied with a flexible jointed tail terminating in a fan of flat scales, four pairs of walking legs and a pair of fore limbs ending in large pincers. Watol-Kiap have a pair of long antennae which rise above their bodies and detect changes in the water around them.
Sexual Dimorphism
males have a more distinct dorsal ridge on the main body behind their head.
Variance

Ecology

Habitat
Found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and smaller tributaries in temperate to sub-arctic latitudes.
Diet
Watol-Kiap eat a variety of algae, river plants, small aquatic animals, and other organic detritus that is found on the lake and river bottoms.

Behaviour

Social Grouping
Solitary.
Temperament
Watol-Kiap are generally skittish around creatures larger than themselves, but will take a defensive position if they can back themselves into a sufficiently sized cover.
Intelligence
Negligible
Reproduction
Two sexes. Females will carry a clutch of eggs tucked under their tails while brooding, and the newly hatched fry may cling to their parent for a few weeks before venturing off on their own.

Notable Sub-Species

There are a few different species of Watol-Kiap generally varied with Latitude or average water temperatures, with distinct morphological features.

Domestication

General
In some more established settlements they are effectively farmed by providing suitable river or lake habitat to support larger populations, but no direct domestication has been achieved.
Resources
Source of meat

Stories

See Also