Reefback Leviathan

Template:Class 2 FaunaThe Reefback is a large, passive fauna species. It is the second largest passive life form, and the fourth largest life form in the game, behind the Sea Emperor Leviathan, Sea Dragon Leviathan and Ghost Leviathan.

Appearance

The Reefback is massive in size, with most of the creature's body being comprised of a thick, dark-blue carapace having a rounded, triangular front, and a relatively small body concentrated in the posterior. Attached to its main body are three long whip-like tentacles.

The carapace is patterned with slightly bright blue dotted pattern across towards the back. It also has many patches of teal colored coral dotted across it, as well as some less prevalent, brown grass. Beneath its carapace, it is dark green with light blue bioluminescent stripes on the sides and in the middle. On either side of its body are eight yellow bioluminescent bulbs. The purpose of these is unknown, though the data bank entry notes a visual similarity to the Gasopod algae gland. They could also be very underdeveloped eyes. This might suggest the Reefback has some other means of "seeing" its surroundings. Two siphon-esque structures that constantly expand and shrink as the creature moves are located next to these bulbs.

Behavior

The Reefback drifts slowly and gently around the open waters of many biomes, mostly seen swimming in pods of more than two. It almost never adjusts its current altitude, unless bumped against obstacles.

Juvenile Reefbacks are a quarter the size of an adult, and have no coral or flora on their backs. They can be found with adults in certain locations.

The Reefbacks unique trait comes from its ability to emit a wide range of echoing, low-frequency calls. Reefbacks will only emit these calls if there are other Reefbacks nearby; if not, they will be silent. This suggests that these calls are some form of communication, rather than some form of echolocation.

When Reefbacks are exposed to damage, their tentacles will wave quickly and begin to go slightly faster, however, this speed doesn't last long.

Mini-ecosystem

Reefbacks can support mini-ecosystems on their back. These ecosystems include many types of flora and coral, along with other small fauna swimming in the vicinity of the gentle giants. It can still be somewhat dangerous to approach Reefbacks as Tiger Plants often make their homes on their backs.

<tabber> Fauna=

• Biter
• Bladderfish
• Boomerang
• Eyeye
• Holefish
• Hoopfish
• Hoverfish
• Peeper
• Shoal of Fish
• Spadefish

|-| Flora=

• Acid Mushroom
• Blood Grass
• Furled Papyrus
• Regress Shell
• Rouge Cradle
• Spotted Reeds
• Tiger Plant
• Veined Nettle
• Violet Beau
• Writhing Weed

|-| Coral=

• Coral Shell Plate
• Purple Brain Coral
• Slanted Shell Plate
• Table Coral

|-| Harvesting Node=

• Barnacles

</tabber>

Energy Value

×5000

×250

Data Bank Entry

Limited data available. Chitinous Plating: Thick enough to interfere with the spectroscope scanner. Unidentified Pods: Unknown purpose. Green in color. Visual similarity to the gasopod's algae gland. Tentacles: Total length ranges upwards of 25m. Tentacles provide low speed propulsion. Sociable, seen travelling in small pods, behavior consistent with low-level sentience. Predators: Unknown Assessment: Additional research required

Gallery

<tabber> Screenshots=

• 

  Side Profile

• 

  Front view

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  Dorsal view

• 

  Lower extremities

• 

  Bioluminescence

• 

  Size comparison between an adult Reefback and the Player

• 

  Size comparison with a Reaper Leviathan

• 

  A size comparison between a juvenile Reefback and the player

• 

  A Reefback above the Blood Kelp Zone

• 

  A single Reefback in the Dunes

• 

  An adult and juvenile Reefback in the Grassy Plateaus

• 

  Two adult Reefbacks in the Bulb Zone

• 

  Reefbacks are capable of transporting the player when near the surface.

|-| Concept Art=

• 

  Concept Art

</tabber> For a more complete gallery, see Reefback/Gallery

History

• Reefbacks were initially intended to submerge themselves in sandy areas. Increased activity about them would've made them rise in search for a peaceful place to rest. It is unknown if this will be implemented.
• Another intended interaction would've been that the player could grab a hold of a Reefback's tentacles to hitch a ride or hide on their plant-covered backs to hide from predators. It is unknown if this will be implemented.
• Reefbacks used to be much smaller than they currently are, and had the same texture that is now given to juvenile Reefbacks. 

Trivia

• Schools of Bladderfish and Holefish can only be found near Reefbacks.