Pebble-grabber

Among the icy streams of the mountain peaks, small bastions of life flourish in the high-altitude freshwater lakes and rivers. Pebble-grabbers, also known as a "monkey-newts", are similar to the common salamander but with prehensile hands, feet and tails. They are known for being competent thieves, due to small size and nimble-ness. It is not uncommon for these creatures to steal bait or fish from those fishing in the area, or non-edible items of interest such as feathers, beads, shells, stones, coins, and so on.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fully-grown pebble-grabbers are blue-green in colour, often with mottled colouring. They can reach a length of 30 to 55 cm, with tails that are just as long as the body. On average, they weigh from 1.4 to 4 kg and can live for up to 25 years. 

Their faces are blunt and their eyes are bulbous. Their limbs are slightly pudgy, ending in hands with stubby digits, however they are more than capable of picking up small objects and even using tools.

Genetics and Reproduction

Pebble-grabbers lay their eggs in calm water among rock pools and vegetation, where the eggs can develop in relative safety. Once the female frog lays her spawn in gelatinous clumps, the male fertilizes them. After this, the parents remain with the eggs to look after them as they develop. As the fertilized eggs mature, a tadpole forms within one to three weeks.

Growth Rate & Stages

The juvenile pebble-grabbers escape their eggs as tadpoles, equipped with rudimentary gills and a tail. During this time, they will feed on algae and other vegetation. They filter material from the water as they swim or tear away bits of plant material. As the tadpole continues to grow, it begins to develop its hind and front limbs. Its body elongates and its diet grows more robust, shifting to larger plant matter and even insects.
After approximately 12 weeks, the gills are absorbed into the body and the matured pebble-grabber is now ready to journey out onto land.

Ecology and Habitats

While pebble-grabbers grow and mature in still bodies of water, they also thrive around streams and rivers, catching insects and small fish. Many are also drawn to areas of habitation by people, who will leave scraps of food, fishing tackle, and other treats for them to scavenge.

Behaviour

The biggest identifying feature of the pebble-grabber is their mischievousness. The dexterity afforded them by their prehensile hands and tail allow them to grab anything of interest, whether it be food or decoration, and scurry away quickly before they can be caught.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their senses are sharp, being able to pick up scents from a kilometre away. Their eyes are covered in a film which protects them underwater.