Reefback Leviathan

Template:Class 2 Fauna The Reefback is currently the largest passive life form in Subnautica, belonging to the fauna category. It dwells exclusively in the Grassy Plateaus.

Appearance

The Reefback is massive in size, with most of the creature's body being comprised of a thick, purple carapace having a 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. 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 which are believed to be eyes, with two siphon-esque structures seen next to them.

Behavior

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

The Reefback's unique trait comes from its ability to emit a wide range of echoing, low-frequency calls.

Energy Value

×1000

×50

Speculation

As seen in the concept art, it is possible that Reefbacks will be capable of sheltering an entire ecosystem of coral reefs on its back in a future update.

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 traveling in small pods, behaviour consistent with low-level sentience. Predators: Unknown Assessment: Additional data required

Gallery

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  Front view

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  Side profile

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  Dorsal view

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  Underside

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  Bioluminescence

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  Lower extremities.

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  Size comparison to the player

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  Concept Art

For a more complete gallery, visit Reefback/Gallery.

Trivia

• The Reefbacks' calls are similar to those of real life whales, which could probably be their way of communication.
• Reefbacks were initially intended to submerge themselves in sandy areas, mimicking patches of vegetation in order to hide from predators. Increased activity about them would've made them rise in search for quiter locals. It is unknown if this will ever be implemented.
• Another intended interaction would've been that the player could grab ahold of the Reefback's tentacles to hitch a ride or hide on their plant-covered backs to hide from predators. It is unknown if this will ever be implemented.