Caraclaw

Replacing its ancestor throughout most of its range, the caraclaw has grown even larger and developed more prominent frontal limbs equipped with powerful claws and webbed digits. Such limbs are effective at not only holding onto rocks on the seafloor while feeding, but fending off predators such as the scylarians. Fully aquatic, it no longer comes onto land like its ancestor did and instead spends its entire life. Adaptions for this include a smoother segmented shell and extended nostrils on the top of its head. Most apparent, however, is the tail of this creature, which has become much larger and flattened vertically, giving it a powerful thrust when moved through the water. Spreading their diet to include the innumerable species of pioneeroots and marbleflora that inhabit the oceans of Sagan IV, it has itself spread even further beyond its ancestor's range. What has also added to this success is the fact that adults now take care of their young, working together to guard a nest which consists of a colonialball or island colonialball. The eggs are hidden beneath them, and the adults take turns guarding them in between feeding trips. Once said eggs do hatch, typically within a few months, the young will stay with their parents until they are large enough to fend for themselves and have learned what they need to in order to survive.