Marsh Loafshell

Ancesotr: Loafshell

The marsh loafshell split from its ancestor the loafshell. It moved south to Slarti Salt Marsh where it took up an amphibious lifestyle. Its segmented carapace is now semi-hollow which has trapped air inside to provide buoyancy when in the water. Its also has developed waterproofing oils in its feathers to keep them dry when wet. And its feet have webbing to help it paddle through the water.

Its is much more opportunistic than its ancestor and will eat just about any small prey swimming around in the water. Its venom is much less toxic than its ancestor since its prey is usually much smaller than it. While they still use echolocation and scent to seek prey they have developed whiskers at the end of their snout to help feel around for prey in the water. Like all saucebacks they are blind and must rely upon their other senses. Their side nostrils have moved closer to the tops of their backs in order to help them breathe when partially submerged. They can close them when underwater.

Like their ancestors the males have a spur on their leg, which is used in fights for mates, while the females do not. The marsh loafshell is also oviviparious, which means that offspring develop inside of eggs that are retained within the mother's body until they are ready to hatch and are born live.

The larvae are birthed into the nursery pools where the adults bring them rotting carcasses to feed on. These pools are isolated from the rest of the marsh and are dug using their foot claws. The parents take turns guarding the pools and bring back food. Once grown they leave their parents and go off on their own.