Flagg Flapper

The flagg flapper split from its ancestor. Perhaps the most striking difference between the flagg flapper and its ancestor is a lack of striking. Whereas the smackback uses its paddles as clubs and thus has narrow and relatively dense paddles, the flagg flapper uses its paddles for display and intimidation or 'shock defence'. For the most part the paddles are held in the down position with the insides hidden. If the individual wants to communicate with another flagg flapper or feels threatened the flags swing up to display the chromatophore-rich inner surface which can take on multiple patterns. In order to cut down on weight and facilitate rapid movement the spongy keratin rich "bone" which makes up the paddles is much less dense than in related species and only partially mineralized. Furthermore, the paddle is slightly convex on the top to reduce drag.