Content:Anomatilus

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The Anomatilus is a sentient and sapient amphibious invertebrate. It is warm-blooded and lays leathery eggs, while its soft body is contained within a segmented, shell. Its tentacle legs have fluid filled sacs that allow it to support its otherwise crushing weight. They do not have true ears but can hear from sound vibrations hitting its front head plate.

Its mouth has two bristled opposable appendages. These are used to grab food and bring it to its mouth as well as to do dexterous tasks, similar to human fingers. On its tail is another grasper, which is used mainly to carry things, such as weapons during battle. It has two eyestalks which protrude out sideways from its head. It can rotate them in any direction. Its eyes can see from the ultraviolet to the infrared areas of the spectrum.

Between the segments are gills and lungs which allow it to be active both on land and underwater. One neat trick is that it can close up its head and retract its leg tentacles into its body, then close the gaps between the segments in its shell. During this time it is well protected. The catch, however, is that it cannot breathe while in this state; thus it cannot stay withdrawn for very long.

They are social creatures and live groups of six to twelve. The average Anomatilus will have three to four babies each breeding season. Eggs are laid in fresh water and must be protected to make sure no predators eat them. Tribal villages usually have a communal nursery pond for them. They take approximately ten years to reach adulthood and they can live between 100 and 150 Earth years.

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