Incomplete Talúnuisce

The incomplete talúnuisce replaced their ancestors the wrigglebacks. Their name is derived from the fact that, in their adult stage, they seem as if they do not completely fit in either land or water as they still retain traits for both. While in the nymph stage they are indistinguishable superficially to an ancestral gilltails. It is in their adult stage that the changes are evident. When nearly in their adult stages, their bodies metamorphoses vertically, shifting 180 degrees, and they develop limbs. They crawl along the bottom using modified fins. Their shoulder joints have been modified to support the weight of their bodies, and have developed bending pseudo-knees parallel to the shoulder allowing for greater movement. The adaptation for standing allows for a more energy efficient mode of movement out of the water as well, as they no longer waste strength dragging their bodies along. They no longer have the ability to swim as adults except in small bursts, as they are adapted for life hiding in the riverbed, away from predators and out of sight of prey. If spotted they would try and hide behind rocks or in the sand, or if near enough to shore they will run for land. When out of water, the are able to shuffle in an awkward gait at speeds of one kilometer per hour. They can now breath both in and out of the water. Like their ancestor they are quite territorial and will fight over the best ambushing pools, which they now can build by rooting out pits near the water which naturally fill in. They will typically cover themselves in mud to help keep from losing moisture out of the water. During mating season they spawn in the riparian in these pools, protecting their spawn from the predators awaiting them in the river until they are strong enough to swim for safety. They are primary ambush predators who supplement their diet with flora. They will wait at the rivers edge or in shallow pools for prey to pass by and snatch up. They will attempt to hold their prey down and drown them. This can be very dangerous especially if its prey has spikes or sharp mandibles. If their prey are not drowned quickly they will let go in order to keep from getting too injured.