Spikeback Serak

The spikeback serak has split from its ancestor and has since adapted to the global ocean. Slightly larger, it has developed a pair of small spikes on its back in order to ward off darters and other predators. Its skin produces a slime-coat that protects it from viral diseases and which also makes it harder to grab onto. It has also evolved a "proto-womb" at the base of it tail which allows it to form more developed eggs than its ancestor. These eggs hatch within a shorter time and are produced in far greater numbers, causing the spineback serak populations to boom throughout the ocean. Preferring to hide within the forests of greater gildea, it is relatively safe along the bottom as dartons cannot penetrate the mass of flora. It feeds on the shell-covered roots, boring into them with sulfuric acid that it produces from glands in its throat. While highly voracious feeders, even their high numbers, reproduction, and feeding can do little to stem back the growth of these fields. Eggs are laid beneath the leaves, after which they will hatch within several days. The young will then begin to feed, maturing within one to two weeks, then continue on living for roughly three or four months.