Paiko Mutikai

Also known as "the sacred animal", the Paiko Mutikai symbolizes Oal-Mer's first appearance before the Kukai. Because of this, it is the most important religious and cultural icon within the kukai society. So much in fact, that many decorations, items, tools even buildings have a representation of the Paiko Mutikai. One of the most creative and recent representations are the Paiko Dolls, small figurines shaped as a Paiko Mutikai which can be dressed or painted in different ways.
This salamander-like amphibian is a Pakali-Pakamuut equivalent of the "axolotl", although the Paiko Mutikai is bigger and has a small "mustache", similar to a catfish.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Paiko Mutikai is a type of amphibian salamander. It has a soft skin which is said to be "eternally young". The length of these species vary between 30 and 60cm and it looks heavier than it actually is. It displays a couple of antenna-looking gills on both sides of its head, as well as a small "mustache" similar to that of a catfish.
The Paiko Mutikai has different colors, with darker tones being more opaque than the more colorful variations. The most common colors include orange, pink, dark brown and dark green. Other tones such as cyan, dark blue, violet, yellow and magenta, seem to be quite rare.

Ecology and Habitats

This creature is known to live exclusively at The sacred lake. Even so, it is not a very common sight and usually remains hidden within the lake. The Paiko Mutikai rarely comes out of water and seems to be a shy creature. The Kukai are the only other species that the Paiko Mutikai may feel safe with, although they still hide from them in order to stay more isolated.
Some people say that plenty more of these species may exist underground, for they know that the sacred lake is connected with an underground river and probably leads to a "cenote".

Dietary Needs and Habits

Very little is known about the Paiko Mutikai dietary habits. Some Kukai say that they survive thanks to the presence of Oal-Mer. Others may joke about this mysterious fact, saying that the Paiko Mutikai meditates to achieve eternal life. To this day, there is no actual answer or explanation; nobody knows what the "sacred animal" eats or how it survives.