Summary[]
The Tsumanta is a rare, sentient crustacean dwelling in the deeper parts of Heptin’s oceans. While research on the species is slim, there have been some notable efforts by recognized marine biologists such as Kikor Salhk, and Maria Sélacosa to uncover the mysteries of these reclusive animals. Their research led to the discovery of several distinct populations ranging in the hundreds of thousands, though the sheer size of Heptin's oceans make it impossible to estimate the total population of the species. The tsumanta are a social species, apparently capable of advanced communication, social structure, and even a creative culture of sorts. The rocky dwellings of tsumanta are often decorated with local flora and minerals, and these decorations seem to undergo changes that follow cyclical seasons. Despite their intelligence (or perhaps due to it), tsumanta typically avoid humans, and cases of aggression have been documented.
Appearance and biology[]
Fully matured tsumanta (maturing at the equivalent of 40 Earth-years) are very large creatures, typically reaching ~16 meters in length. Their sheer mass and the thickness of their exoskeletons make them extremely heavy creatures; while they are adept at moving in water, they are extremely slow and vulnerable on land.
They bear some of the anatomical similarities to Earth crustaceans, possessing two compound eyes on extendable eye stalks and large mandibles for crushing their food (primarily bivalve-like shellfish known as larger vaultshell). Tsumanta also have large lobster-like tails used for locomotion, balance, and defense. Four large limbs and two small limbs on the midsection appear to be dedicated to locomotion, while two large frontal limbs with sharp tips and edges are used for piercing objects like shells or slashing away predators or opponents.
However, perhaps the most unique feature of the tsumanta is the crest on the top of the head. Tsumanta can produce a wide variety of sounds which enable them to communicate underwater and out of water. A complex system of air sacs are compressed, pushing air through the servian passages which are lined with specialized soft tissue called the sapila, creating vibrations. These vibrations are focused using the crest, which can be manipulated to drag out the sound for longer periods, create shorter bursts of sound, or produce one large pulse of sound.
While it is theorized that tsumanta possess a complex grammatical language, it is yet to be decoded. Sélacosa has made significant progress in understanding tsumanta culture and communication, and has expressed a theory that tsumanta are just as intelligent and emotional as humans. Many scientists disagree with this claim, but all agree that further research is warranted for this bizarre species.