Snapraptors
Species Overview
Height: 4' - 8'
Weight: 200 - 400 lbs
Lifespan: 150 years
Intelligence: Sentient
Habitat: Tropical, semi-aquatic
Diet: Omnivorous
Thermoregulation: Mesothermic
Gender Expression: Gender-fluid
Details
Habitat
Snapraptors are a semi-aquatic species that prefer a tropical climate. They are equally at home on land and in the water. Unlike soft-skinned amphibians, Snapraptors have a much higher tolerance for drying out. An environment that is too dry is inconvenient and will make them uncomfortable, however being dry is non-life-threatening.
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Diet
Snapraptors are omnivores that will eat almost anything they can find or catch. Fish are their primary food source, but they can also eat fruits and veggies. Red meat is an especially sought-after delicacy.
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Gender Expression
Snapraptors as a species are gender fluid. This means they can change genders depending on their environment. If a bonded pair of the same sex decide they want to produce offspring one of them will opt to change genders in order to produce young. (Usually whichever one is already more dominant) This process takes several weeks to complete and once finished the individual cannot go back unless conditions change. (ex. if their partner dies or the relationship ends.)
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Thermoregulation
Snapraptors are mesothermic. They are neither warm-blooded (endothermic) nor cold-blooded (exothermic). They can regulate their body temperature to a degree, but do rely somewhat on their environment to keep warm. Extreme heat or cold can be problematic for their metabolisms.
Life Cycle
Egg
Snapraptor eggs are usually laid underwater in the roots of aquatic trees or rock crevices. They have a rubbery shell that needs to be kept wet at all times. A special slime coats them that hardens within 24 hours and sticks them permanently to their home tree so they don't get washed away. Clutches are generally small, only 2 or 3, but can be as many as 8.
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Hatchling
The babies are almost completely aquatic when they first hatch. They have small gills at the sides of their necks that help them breathe while their lungs develop. Hatchlings have no lures or glow and are often born with dark coloration that camouflage them from underwater predators. At this age they have only dorsal/caudal fins and rely on their parents for food and protection.
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Juvenile
At this age they take their first steps onto land and lose their baby gills. This is also when the secondary fins and lure begin to grow in. They begin learning to talk at this age. Babies have no gender or sexual organs yet, and because of this, many Snapraptor names are unisex.
Sub Adult
The awkward teenage phase. Lure has gotten longer and the first luminescent markings will begin to appear. Secondary fins are mostly grown in except for the pelvic fins at the very base of the tail. These fins begin to grow and are the first indication of sexual maturity. Standard teenager/hormone troubles abound. This is the age their body figures out what gender it wants to be.
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Adult
DING! Your Raptor is done! Lure has reached its full length. Bioluminescent markings are all accounted for. Fins are finished. Limbs at a proportionate size. This Raptor is fully grown and ready to make new Raptors! If conditions are right (or wrong ig?) and they are compelled to, they can swap genders. The entire process takes a few weeks from start to finish, and the individual will experience a short second puberty. The change is semi-permanent.
(They can't just do this on a day-to-day basis)
Unique Features
Teeth
Snapraptors have pointed teeth (and claws) that are sharp and round, making it very easy for them to grab slippery fish in the water. These teeth are unique in that they also possess noticeably longer canines and molars, which extend their dietary spectrum to red meats and even fruits and veggies.
Bio-luminescence
All Snapraptors have some kind of bio-luminescent marking. The colors and patterns for these special markings vary wildly between individuals. They are used for communication underwater or over long distances.
Nictitating Membrane
Snapraptors have a second, clear eyelid that closes front-to-back over their eyes. They use these like built-in goggles for seeing underwater.