Umadon (oo-ma-don)

The umadon is a unique creature that can only be found in the murkiest bodies of freshwater and can be easly identified by their strange mandibles.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Umadons are bipedal reptiles. Their short hind legs make them slow runners on land, but in water they can reach high speeds thanks to their fish-like fins and powerful tail. The forelimbs have been reduced to small fins who serve their function as rudders underwater.
The sail on their back serves two purposes; swimming and heat regulation. Umadons are cold-blooded, but soak up heat using their sail by floating by the surface of the water and "sunbathing". This helps them keep their body temperature for longer periods of time even when the water is cold, although they tend to be more sluggish on cloudy days.
The most unique feature of the umadon is the four finger-like appendages connected by a skin membrane on their snout, forming a sort of fishing net around their mouth. They hunt by trapping fish in this "net", and can also store their prey in their gular pouch for later consumption. This unique appendage can also be used as a tool for building nests and picking up objects much like a hand. Because of this unique dexterous appendage it is believed that the umadon has a rather high level of intelligence for a cold-blooded reptile, as they have been observed investigating and manipulating objects with intense curiosity.

Genetics and Reproduction

Umadon females lay between 5 - 7 eggs during warm seasons. They bury the eggs in the sand near the rivers and lakes they inhabit, and while they don't roost, they check on the eggs every so often to deter predators.

An umadon egg.

Growth Rate & Stages

Umadon hatchlings, while small, are born fairly well-developed and can survive on their own right after hatching. They grow slowly and reach their full size at around 10 years of age.

Ecology and Habitats

Umadons thrive in murky lakes and rivers in swamps and dense forests. They usually become the top predator of the body of water they inhabit.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Umadons primarily eat fish, but can occationally eat other creatures when given the opportunity. They hunt by trapping prey in their mandibles and swallowing them whole. They can also store food in their gular pouch. Umadons will only eat prey small enough for them to swallow whole, as they lack the mobility and muscles in their jaws to be able to chew.

Biological Cycle

During colder months the umadon will hibernate by digging out a den near the shore.

Behaviour

Umadon are known to be very territorial and will lash out at anything it deems a threat. Despite this they're more defensive than offensive, so if intimidation does not work they'd rather flee than risk getting injured.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Umadons are solitary animals, and can be very territorial. It is rare to see more than one in the same area, unless it is mating season.
When encountering a rival they will stretch out their mandibles to appear bigger in a threathening display. When fighting, umadons will duel face-first with their mandibles wide open like a shield, pressing them toghether and trying to get through the other's defence to damage the body.

Average Intelligence

Umadons are surprisingly intelligent for a cold-blooded reptile. They are highly curious and will use their mandibles for picking up and interacting with objects.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

While they have poor eyesight, the umadon relies more on the electroreceptive pores around their snout to navigate and find prey. The four appendages around their mouth are especially sensitive to touch.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "umadon" comes from the varan words "umau"=dangerous, and "don"=tooth.

Lifespan

60 years.

Average Height

0.5 - 0.8 meters at the shoulder.

Average Weight

40 - 70 kg.

Average Length

2.5 - 3 meters (including tail)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Females tend to be dark brown with no markings, while males tend to have a brighter brown hue with vivid markings in blue, purple, pink and red.

Geographic Distribution

• Kuali swamp

Terminology

• A male umadon is called a male.
• A female umadon is called a female.
• A juvenile umadon is called a hatchling.
• A group of umadon is called a pod.
• The plural of umadon is umadon or umadons.