Caryial

Caryials are a species of small, extraterrestrial crustaceans measuring roughly one foot (0.304 meters.) that inhabit the depths of the North Karyian Ocean. They resemble large isopods with a row of spines lining their shell’s edge, and an extra appendage extruding from their underbellies. They can use that limb to move swiftly through the sand and hunt prey, which is mostly consisting of small fish and crabs. They are not hostile towards larger animals but will attack with their two long claws attached to their arm. Their shells are incredibly resilient to punctures but will crack quickly under immense pressure. They are a dirty sand color and hide in the sand near reefs where they hunt. Their mouth is placed on the front of their shell and is surrounded by four sharp fangs on each side. They use these fangs to latch on to potential prey, which they can then paralyze with a potent venom before consuming. This venom is relatively harmless to humans, but it may cause a rash around the wound. The Caryials are solitary, and prefer to hunt alone, and will even attack each other if they get into another territory. They mark their territory with a brightly colored natural dye which is a different pigment depending on their region. The western Caryials have a rosy red-colored dye, and the eastern ones have a blue color, similar in shade to a blue morpho butterfly. These creatures have existed for millions of years, untouched, and are in a safe condition. They are the only species of the genus Malum Cancri and are so genetically different from the other animals that the times they have been brought to the surface, they have released deadly epidemics, destroying wildlife across the planet. A heavy fine has been put in place, and anyone who captures one must release it before it is brought into the air.