Alterra HQ 4546b creature logs: Subnautica/ below zero

Sea Treader Leviathan/Treadus Leviathanus (1#S)

Class: Leviathan:

Antennae: The Sea Treader Leviathan possesses highly sensitive antennae on its head, capable of detecting a wide range of scents. These antennae help the creature locate fresh grazing pastures, avoid large predators, and communicate with others of its kind through chemical signals.

Carapace: The Sea Treader's thick, armored carapace provides robust protection against all but the largest of carnivores. This armor is complemented by two powerful rear legs that aid in mobility and stability.

Elongated Snout: The elongated snout of the Sea Treader is adapted for siphoning up plant material from the sea floor. This specialized snout also helps the creature maintain balance while foraging.

Bioluminescent Patterns: Unique to the Sea Treader Leviathan are the bioluminescent patterns along its body. These patterns serve multiple purposes, including communication signals among the herd and attracting prey. The bioluminescence can also act as a deterrent to potential predators by creating a dazzling display.

Behavior

Sea Treader Leviathans are known for their migratory behavior, driven by their tendency to decimate the flora in a single area. Large herds move together, with families keeping their young towards the center for protection. Parents are fiercely protective and will lash out at any interlopers that pose a threat to their offspring.

Migration and Biomes

Preferred Biomes:

Flat Open Areas: The Sea Treader Leviathan thrives in expansive, flat regions where it can easily forage and travel in large herds. These areas provide ample space for movement and reduce the risk of ambush from predators.

Deep Environments with Sandy Floors: The Sea Treader also favors deep underwater environments with sandy floors. The sand is ideal for their foraging behavior and provides a rich source of plant material.

Migratory Patterns: Sea Treaders migrate between these biomes to balance their need for food and safety. Their migrations are seasonal, moving to flat open areas during periods of plant growth and shifting to deeper sandy environments as a refuge during times of lower food availability or to escape predators.

Weaknesses and Harnessing Potential

Weaknesses:

Limited Speed: Despite their size and strength, Sea Treader Leviathans are not particularly fast movers. This can make them vulnerable to swift predators.

Overreliance on Scent: Their heavy reliance on chemical signals and scents for communication and navigation means that disruptions in their environment, such as pollution, can significantly affect their behavior.

Harnessing Potential:

Ecosystem Engineers: Sea Treader herds play a crucial role in the ecosystem by churning up the sand as they move, potentially unearthing valuable mineral deposits. Understanding their migratory patterns can help in locating these deposits.

Bioluminescence Studies: The bioluminescent patterns of the Sea Treader Leviathan can be studied to develop new technologies in communication and lighting.

Chemical Communication Research: Further study of their antennae and chemical communication methods can lead to advancements in underwater navigation systems and environmental monitoring tools.

Research Notes

Individual Bioluminescent Patterns: Observations indicate that the bioluminescent patterns may vary between individuals, suggesting a form of identification or social hierarchy within herds.

Chemical Signal Complexity: Further study is needed to understand the full range of chemical signals used by the antennae for communication and navigation. This research could uncover sophisticated social structures and environmental interactions.

Size: Specimen is measured to be 30 meters (98 Feet)

Assessment: moderate threat