Eydho (Eydho, ˈɐjðhø)

Name meaning: Reinforced head

Eydhos are large Geophagia who need to eat rocks and minerals to maintain their hard armor.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Eydhos have long, sharp claws with a large body with layers of spiraling "stone" on its neck, back of the legs, and the back of the body with one long jagged "stone" horn on its head, the stone look is caused by calcium carbonate that the eydho gets by eating rocks more specifically limestone, that then get used by an organ called the mantle that secrete layers of calcium carbonate, which crystallize and harden.

Genetics and Reproduction

Adults are solitary by nature, only coming together to mate. Eydhos are non-seaonal breeders. However, the births tend toward the end of the rainy season. Courtship behaviors before mating include roaring and sparring with the horns among males. The gestation period for eydhos is 13 months with females in the last 3 months of pregnancy eating one half of the normal amount of rock, the calcium carbonate will then be given to the developing calf to produce its own rather soft armor. which will harden after being born.

Growth Rate & Stages

Female Eydho give birth to 1-2 whelps each pregnancy, the whelps are ability to consume and digest stone immediately, being the only species within the genus to eat stone at birth. Female whelps then take 3 years to reach maturity and Males taking 4-5 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Eydho spend most of their time "grazing" the stone pillars in "Thaakhi Thaach" (a large savanna with distinctive stone pillars scattered all over the place), But sometimes eating grass, which provides nesting grounds for birds, as well as digging holes that later get filled with water providing breeding pools for amphibians.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Eydho are mostly Geophagia with rocks and minerals making up over 50% of their diet. the other 50% is insects, molluscs, and eggs to fulfill the protein needed to sustain their muscles, and plant matter for the fiber.

Behaviour

Eydhos have been observed eating rocks exposed rock especially from caves. if there are no exposed rocks around the Eydho will start digging up dirt to try and uncover rocks, if unsuccessful the Eydho will not be opposed to eat the dirt it dug up.

Scientific Name

Amblysum monoceros

Lifespan

55 years

Average Height

eydhos are 5'2

Average Weight

Between 3,670(without armor) - 5,240 (with armor)pounds

Average Length

10 foot length

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Eydho coloration is usually light Grey, dark Grey, and slate Grey with their eyes being an amber color.