Naftaníta

Much like normal manta rays, naftanítas are most commonly found in tropical regions, usually in the open oceans, but occasionally drifting closer to shore. Averaging 45' in diameter, these creatures are most at home in the ocean, but may just as easily take to the skies when the water proves to be perilous, or when encouraged by a skilled rider.
A naftaníta will never come to rest on land since doing so would effectively beach itself, and only a rider which it has formed a bond with may even attempt to encourage one to fly over land.
In the wild, naftanítas are passive, gentle creatures that would much rather flee than fight, but their versatility in naval battles has made armored naftanítas a rare, but not unheard of, travelling companion for fleet flagships.

Basic Information

Dietary Needs and Habits

Naftanítas are filter feeders, living on a diet of zooplankton, krill, and small fish.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Naftanítas live in family groups, known as squadrons, usually numbering from 5-20 individuals. When the groups reach their carrying capacity, some of the younger males will split off to form what is known as a "bachelor pod," before they find mates to join their new pod.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Naftanítas are visited by many types of cleaner fishes when they approach coral reefs; the exact species will vary between different climates, but the naftaníta will often sleep while having external parasites cleaned off.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Understands Aquan but cannot speak it.

Common Myths and Legends

The killing or even harming of a naftaníta is considered a great social taboo by many cultures, especially those located in coastal regions. They're known to be a favored animal of Loaliv, god of the oceans, and so anyone who does harm to one risks becoming a social outcast and is advised to stay as far away from any bodies of water as they can for fear of Loaliv conjuring a sneaker wave to drag them and whoever is unfortunate enough to be close by out to sea.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Naftanítas are known to often take an interest in divers and swimmers that approach them. They seem to be aware of the difference between species such as tritons and sea elves versus humans and dwarves, and have on occasion, been known to swim underneath the non-aquatic species and lift them up towards the surface, even if they are not necessarily in any sort of distress.

Lifespan

70 years

Average Weight

40 tonnes

Average Length

45 feet

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Slate grey backs, light grey underbelly