Tunneljaw Scuttler

Splitting from its ancestor, the tunneljaw scuttler has evolved to feed upon the various small burrowing species that make the sandy sea floors of Sagan IV its home. Its jaw has been modified to fit down burrows, allowing them to snatch out the inhabitants within and gulp them down. In order to avoid being food themselves, their flesh has developed a potent toxin, one they promote to potential predators with their bright coloration. Because of this, they are relatively safe once they are fully grown, though their planktonic larvae, which lack this toxic defense, are open game for whatever wants to feed on them. Because of this, tunneljaw scuttlers produce larger amounts of young than other scuttlers of a similar size, all in the hope that at least a few will reach adulthood. Tiny hair-like structures dot their backs, allowing them to sense vibrations from afar in order to compensate for their poor eyesight. They have also developed a crop-like organ just behind their jaws, one that serves to hold and even crush the smaller burrowing species they eat