Capispine

The capispine split from it's ancestor. The capispine's spike-like protrusions from its dorsal sail are part of a male capispine's mating display. The larger the spikes and the flashier the head-crest, the more desirable the mate. The spikes on the tail are used to on certain flora. The tail-spikes are useful at knocking off the orbiflor's orb, allowing the capispine to get easier access to the stems and leaves, upon which it feeds. It also let's it hack at low growing rust groveglobe tendrils, which it can use as a food source. The spikes on the tail and back are used to attack and defend if fighting should occur over a territory. The capispine has developed small nostrils on the top of it's head. These nostrils aid in both respiration and maintaining body temperature. The positioning of the nostrils allows the capispine to swim out to the shores and search for food. It is rather clumsy within the water. They are still aggressively territorial, but they will attempt to warn off any infringer with a fierce "dancing" display accompanied by the brightening of it's crest. In colder weather or in the mornings, steam can be emitted from their nostrils. A capispine that is frightened and wishes to put up a defensive front, will kneel and bury its head into the sand letting its spikes act as a deterrent. It will also flail it's tail about wildly.